Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
June 23, 2005, Vol. 05-96

Expanded Elimination of Barriers Initiative Website Now On-line -Materials Targeting Businesses and Schools Available

SAMHSA has recently updated and expanded its official website for the Elimination of Barriers Initiative (EBI) - an eight State demonstration project designed to support and evaluate efforts to address the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses. The EBI uses public education, contact, and reward methods to achieve this goal. The Initiative also features materials for the general public, including public service announcements and a brochure, as well as resources for addressing stigma in school and workplace settings.

19 Consumer Vignettes Added

Recently, a number of personal vignettes from mental health consumers have been posted at http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/publications/mystory/default.aspx. Collected from across the nation, these vignettes are in the "My Story" section of the site, and feature consumer stories of recovery. Additional vignettes can be submitted to info@mhselfhelp.org for consideration. Please put the word "vignette" in the subject line.

Public Information Materials Available

The website also includes a range of information available for downloading and reproduction including:

Ø A bi-lingual (English/Spanish) informational brochure on mental health
including information on how to address stigma and discrimination.

http://sites.ts.samhsa.gov/sites/adca/Documents/Stigma_Reduction_Bilingual_Available.pdf

Ø Information materials targeting businesses including a booklet for
business leaders, a toolkit for human resource and personnel managers,
a poster, print ads, and a drop-in newsletter article:

http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/publications/business_resource.aspx

Ø Information materials targeting schools including a booklet for school
administrators, a training package for teachers and other school
personnel, a poster, print ads, and a drop-in newsletter article:

http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/publications/business_resource.aspx

Voice Awards Information

The Voice Awards is a recognition of positive portrayals of people with mental health problems by entertainment media as well as of the 8 EBI States (CA, FL, MA, NC, OH, PA, SC, TX, WI) and consumers who have led efforts to address stigma and discrimination. These awards will be given at an awards ceremony on July 20 in Los Angeles. For more information, please see: http://www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/voiceawards//index.html

For more information on the EBI, please see: http://promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/main/inthenews.aspx

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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.