WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

In May 2003, Wisconsin was chosen as one of eight states to pilot an anti-stigma program.  This multimedia public education effort launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is aimed at increasing awareness of the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. It includes broadcast and print public service advertisements that seek to educate the public that mental illnesses are common, affecting almost every family in America, and that recovery can be expected.

The EBI is a collaborative effort among SAMHSA and the eight State Mental Health Authorities, in partnership with mental health consumers, family members, advocates, providers, and a range of national and state mental health organizations. With technical support from the EBI, the pilot states are also undertaking an array of other strategies to counter stigma and discrimination such as speakers' bureaus, music festivals, health fairs, and celebrations of recovery. As part of the EBI, these efforts, along with the educational materials, are being evaluated to determine their effectiveness.  Click this link to learn more about EBI.

Teleconferences

The SAMHSA Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center) invites you to participate in free training teleconferences. You can listen to archives of the teleconferences by visiting the ADS Center website: http://www.stopstigma.samhsa.gov/archtel.htm
 
Participation in these training events is free of charge. Complete training announcements will be distributed prior to each event. For additional teleconference information, please refer to the Training section of the SAMHSA ADS Center web site, http://www.stopstigma.samhsa.gov, or contact a technical assistance representative by e-mail at stopstigma@samhsa.hhs.gov or by telephone at 1-800-540-0320. Please pass this notice along to interested friends and colleagues. Please note: teleconference registration closes at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the day prior to each training event.