Cherene Caraco

More from Cherene Caraco

How States Can Effectively Engage People with Lived Experience

Cherene Caraco often says “Help isn’t help if it isn’t helpful.” The Pathways Learning Network convened on November 30 to learn how to meaningfully engage trauma survivors and develop policies that support them at the state and local levels.

Taking Action to Prevent Suicide

On Saturday July 16, 2022, the United States established a new three-digit Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – 988. This move to the three-digit number as part of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 is intended to serve as an easier number to remember than the toll-free hotline that had previously been in place. By calling 988, individuals are connected to one of more than 200 crisis centers across the country, which provide 24/7 assistance by mental health professionals.

Advocate
Founder, Chief Global Strategist & Executive Officer

Cherene began working in the mental health system 26 years ago. She has worked nationally in numerous states, internationally, and in and with various organizations, systems, services and types of environments from hospitals to housing, group homes to community programs, family preservation and reunification to crisis services.

In 2005 and 2006, Cherene had the opportunity to start PRN and demonstrate what an organization that is designed for wellness looks like and how effective it truly is. She has used the knowledge that was given to her by thousands of people throughout the years about what helps and what harms and together, her team of people that have also been directly impacted by trauma, labels, systems, diagnoses and despair, challenge illness identities, reform systems and demonstrate that recovery is probable.