Charles Fuller - a beloved member of the Bridgeport community - is making his voice heard during Mental Health Awareness Month.

"I'm speaking out because I'm blessed to know a lot of people, and my message is urgent," Fuller told News 12 Saturday.

"I'm using this annual observance to highlight the need for a more compassionate approach to mental health care - and especially for the stigma associated with it to go away once and for all," Fuller said.

"When I was growing up during the 1980s, mental health was not something people talked about openly - and I think there was actual shame on the part of people dealing with mental health issues, which is tragic," Fuller said.

Fuller, who has autism, is a familiar face on Bridgeport streets and can be seen around the city collecting discarded bottles and cans for their 10-cent redemption value.

"I talk to a lot of people every day and I think most of them agree that anybody dealing with mental health issues should reach out for free confidential help," Fuller said.

Fuller gained national attention when he and News 12 Senior Reporter Frank Recchia were featured in a 2020 NFL film about football legend Jerry Rice. Rice cultivated a friendship with Fuller - which endures to this day -- after seeing him featured in a News 12 story highlighting Fuller's need for housing, which Recchia helped him achieve.

Free confidential mental health services are available through LifeBridge Community Services at 475 Clinton Ave. in Bridgeport. Click here for more information.