January 2009 update on the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery

Taken from CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News January 22, 2009

Updates on the Multicultural Phase of CMHR

The Ad Council and their agency partners have developed and are testing the concepts for the next phase of the CMHR that targets 18-25 year-olds in four multicultural audiences (Hispanics, African-Americans, Chinese-Americans, and Native Americans). Based on research and focus group findings, the team developed an umbrella, multicultural strategy and creative briefs aimed at each audience. The multicultural campaign will include appropriate language and culturally specific public service announcements or PSAs in radio, print, outdoor, and Web formats.

Campaign materials are being developed for a launch in late Spring or early Summer 2009. Media outreach and PSA distribution will be targeted to relevant media outlets for each audience.

To learn more about the multicultural phase of the CMHR, click here to view the most recent CMHR-focused Webcast.

Registration Now Open for ADS Center Teleconference: Promoting Acceptance and Social Inclusion for People with Mental Health Problems in the Workplace

The SAMHSA Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity, and Social Inclusion (ADS Center) is hosting a free teleconference training, Promoting Acceptance and Social Inclusion for People with Mental Health Problems in the Workplace, on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Eastern Time).

Presenters will provide an overview of the challenges that individuals with mental health problems encounter in the workplace, strategies for employers to promote acceptance and social inclusion, and provide information and resources regarding supported employment and other strategies for employment success.

To register for this teleconference please click here. Registration for this event will close on Friday, January 23, 2009.

The ADS Center invites you to send in your questions related to promoting acceptance and inclusion for people with mental health problems in the workplace in advance of the teleconference. Speakers will answer as many questions as possible during the teleconference. Please note that sending a question does not guarantee its inclusion in the teleconference. If you provide your name and organization at the time you ask your question, the ADS Center may use it during the call. Anonymous questions also can be submitted.

2009 Voice Awards: Have You Completed a Nomination?

Do you know of a film or TV show that was released after October 1, 2007 that portrays people with mental illnesses in a dignified, respectful, and accurate manner? You should nominate this film or TV show for a 2009 Voice Award.

Similarly, if you know of mental health consumers who have led efforts to promote social inclusion, demonstrated that recovery is real and possible, and made a positive impact on their workplaces, communities, and/or schools, please nominate them for a 2009 Consumer Leadership Voice Award. Additional consideration will be given to nominees who have made a positive impact within special populations such as culturally diverse groups, young adults ages 18 to 24, and those who have worked to prevent suicide.

The 2009 Voice Awards will be presented at a gala ceremony in Los Angeles on October 14, 2009.

Nominations are open to anyone, are free, and there is no limit to the number an individual can submit.

Entertainment industry nominations will remain open until March 15, 2009.

Mental health consumer nominations will remain open until May 15, 2009.

Campaign Collaboration

Here is an example of the CMHR at work in Alabama:

Wings Across Alabama is proud to announce that we have developed partnerships with three universities to bring the 2008 Voice Awards winning Stand Up for Mental Health comedians Alex and Kim to Alabama for performances on January 27 through January 29, 2009. The two young men are in recovery from schizophrenia. They will create a roar of laughter and good fun as they break down barriers by describing the lighter side of taking psychotropic medication, seeing counselors, getting diagnosed, and surviving the mental health system. The audience, 18 to 25 year old college students, will laugh, learn, and be able to ask questions about mental illness. Besides the comedy, these two young men will tell their recovery stories and answer questions raised by breaking the silent taboo surrounding being diagnosed.

Ronald Hunt, Executive Director of Wings Across Alabama, 2008 CMHR State Implementation Project Awardee