Thomas P. Glynn, chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Port Authority, is absolutely right to display an exhibit at Logan Airport highlighting mental health issues (“Sign of progress on mental illness,’’ Page A1, Dec. 3).

“Deconstructing Stigma’’ was created, according to the Globe, by McClean Hospital and health advocacy groups to shed light on the broad spectrum of mental health problems faced by so many people.

Educating the traveling public about depression and anxiety disorders is certainly not central to running an airport. But Glynn has concluded that public agencies such as Massport have broad responsibilities that sometimes extend beyond the narrow scope of operations commonly ascribed to them. He’s correct.

Logan Airport, with its millions of passengers annually moving through the terminals, is perfectly placed to assist in efforts like these.

This should be encouraged because of the high value associated with putting a dent in the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Massport is setting a good example, and other agencies should consider following suit.

Charles Yelen

Newtonville

The writer is former deputy executive director of Massport.