DANBURY, CONN. — The “One Book, One Community” collaboration between Western Connecticut State University, Danbury Public Schools and the Danbury Public Library officially introduced its 2009 community read at a press conference held at the university, Monday, Aug. 24.

In “Hurry Down Sunshine,” author Michael Greenberg watches his teenaged daughter, Sally, spiral downward in the throes of mental illness and describes in narrative form how the illness has affected his extended family. In October, the community will be invited to many activities, including movies, author lectures and discussions on both the book and the topic of mental illness and its effects on the community.

“Getting people to talk about mental illness is critical,” said Janine Sullivan-Wiley, executive director of the Northwest Regional Mental Health Board. “You don’t hear those conversations about mental illness — you hear about illnesses like cancer and diabetes … mental illness affects the person and their family and this book really focuses on that.”

Mark Hasskarl, Danbury Library director, said the issue of mental illness is a timely one in that roughly 26 percent of the population aged 18 and older suffers from a mental disorder every year. “This is a good opportunity to dispel some of the information about mental illness and remove the stigma,” he said.

Addressing the crowd of about 40 who gathered in the university’s Midtown campus library, university President James W. Schmotter said the book will help open up a good conversation about an important topic. “We have an obligation to convene such discussions,” Schmotter said. “This book opens a mirror into someone going into a lot of stress. I hope people will look at that because we all learn by experiencing differences.”

For more information or to check out the calendar of OBOC events, visit www.onebook.danbury.org.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.