Wisconsin United for Mental Health Update

Wisconsin United for Mental Health is now on Facebook!  Simply follow this link to view the page: WUMH on Facebook.

Why is it important for WUMH to join this social network? A presence on Facebook will afford us another avenue to fight the stigma associated with mental illnesses and to promote events that help educate about mental health and mental illnesses. We will also be able to further promote the work we do, such as collaborating with employers to create mentally healthy workplaces that are supportive of people with mental illnesses. As more people join, there will be more discussion and exchange of ideas. The interactivity of Facebook will facilitate discussions and the exchange of ideas ... but only if people join in!

Thus far status updates have included articles on stigma, upcoming events, and SAMHSA resources. If you have ideas regarding how we can be use Facebook, please email the WUMH Webmaster. 

Please take a minute to "Like" WUMH - be one of the first and encourage your "Friends" and colleagues to do so as well!


Reception for Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton
We'd like again to thank Lt. Gov. for her service to the citizens of Wisconsin and for her time and dedication spent as Honorary Chair of Wisconsin United for Mental Health.  Thank you to those that attended the reception!

Pictured (from left): Sinnika Santala, founder and first Co-Chair WUMH; Patty Branton, Co-Chair WUMH; Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, outgoing Honorary Chair WUMH; Nino Amato, founder and former Co-Chair of WUMH; Rebecca Cohen, Co-Chair WUMH

For those interested in learning more about the sculpture given to Lt. Gov. Lawton (Nino Amato is holding it in the picture above):
Sculpture by Sara Balbin, www.sarabalbin.com
Dragonfly Studio
Phone: 717-798-3848
46400 Blue Moon Rd.
Drummond, WI 54832

---

Monthly Feature - Mental Health Screenings

National Depression Screening Day occurs annually on the Thursday of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 3-9, 2010). 

The following is an excerpt from a letter from Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton:
Depression is a common, real, and treatable illness. One out of every ten Wisconsin residents will struggle with depression this year. Unfortunately, thousands of these individuals battle depression alone and remain untreated. Indeed, untreated depression has far-reaching implications for all of us. Medical costs of those afflicted by depression average twice those who are non-depressed, and those suffering from depression are seven times more likely to be unemployed or underemployed. A recent National Institute of Health study found that depression costs the U.S. tens of billions of dollars annually, primarily from increased health care costs and from lost work productivity.

Together we can change those statistics. The good news: with early screening, depression is easily diagnosed and treated, minimizing its devastating effects on both workers and workplaces. Mental Health America of Wisconsin offers free, confidential, and simple online screening on National Depression Screening Day as well as every other day throughout the year. Screenings may be completed in either English or Spanish and are available for depression, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, bipolar disorder and alcohol use. Those who complete a screening on line receive immediate feedback as well as information about resources for treatment. Visit the MHA website to take a screening




2010 Mental Illness Awareness Week Online Guide Now Available
[Source: SAMHSA ADS Center Release]

The MIAW Guide, provided by the SAMHSA Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center), offers ideas for awareness activities in local communities, information and resources to help plan and implement initiatives, and a list of free SAMHSA materials and flyers on a wide variety of topics for easy distribution. The guide includes suggestions on how to join community events such as local farmers’ markets, and specific suggestions on how to promote education and support in schools and the workplace. The guide also details activities tailored to faith-based communities. MIAW events are a great opportunity for consumers, family members, and others to get out into the community and speak up about the importance of behavioral health and to help remove prejudice and discrimination associated with mental health and substance use problems.

To access the MIAW Guide, please go to the following link:
http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/archtelPDF/Mental_Illness_Awareness_Week_Guide.pdf


Other News and Events

Press Release from SAMHSA: Provide Your Feedback on SAMHSA's Eight Strategic Initiatives

SAMHSA is announcing the release of Leading Change: A Plan for SAMHSA's Roles and Actions 2011–2014—a detailed plan for achieving the goals of the Agency's eight new strategic initiatives. These initiatives are designed to enhance the Agency's effectiveness by focusing its talents and resources on the key elements of its mission—reducing the impact of substance abuse and mental illness in America's communities. SAMHSA's eight strategic initiatives are critical for enhancing its overall capacity to provide effective behavioral health services and information for a wide spectrum of needs, and the Agency is actively soliciting comments and ideas from outside experts and the general public on all elements of the plan and suggestions for improving it.

"SAMHSA is seeking both public support and suggestions on this effort so that we can do everything we can to really make a difference in improving the Nation's behavioral health care system," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. 

• Read the Plan for Achieving SAMHSA's Eight Strategic Initiatives
• Submit Your Comments Online by October 22, 2010

SAVE THE DATE!

21st Children Come First Conference coordinated by WI Family Ties
Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells
November 8 - 9, 2010
"See My World: New Perspectives on Children’s Mental Health"
Found out more

Through the Eyes of a Child Conference
Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells
November 11-12, 2010
Find out more from their Facebook page

2010 Mental Health Consumer Conference coordinated by Grassroots Empowerment Project
November 22nd - 23rd, 2010
Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells
“Mental Health Reform: Advocating for Our Future”
Find out more