May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and News 12 is putting the spotlight on how one Brooklyn resident is using a sign to break the stigma around mental health.  

Jose Cruz can be spotted once a week on the Brooklyn Bridge standing by himself with a sign and a message to remind people they matter.  

“Mental health is so important, we’re all going through so many things,” said Cruz. “I want to continue doing this work so that every month is Mental Health Awareness Month, and that we can feel comfortable having these conversations and breaking the stigmas that’s around mental health.” 

Cruz specifically chose the bridge to show those battling mental health issues that he is the person you can turn to in a moment of crisis.  

"I want them to come here and also see that we have love here in Brooklyn, there's love here in New York City. I feel like me doing this brings people together, it makes community, I've made community with a lot of people up here as well,” said Cruz.  

Cruz and his sign have travelled to Charlotte, Miami, Philadelphia, and now the Brooklyn Bridge to share his message of hope.