Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
October 30, 2006, Vol. 06-105

Save the Date for Training Teleconference: Art Works!

Please save the date for our next training teleconference!

Art Works! Using the Arts to Counter Stigma and Discrimination
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Eastern Time

One of the causes of discrimination and stigma associated with mental illnesses is a misperception that people who have mental illnesses lack the same interests and abilities as everyone else. Art, including the visual and performing arts, can be a powerful force in correcting this misperception. Using music, dance, painting, sculpture, poetry, theater, and more, people with mental illnesses can demonstrate their creativity, insightfulness and intelligence. Through art, they send the message that "I work, live, and play, just like you," which can lead individuals to question and ultimately reject stigmatizing myths. Also, the confidence-building and peer support that can be found in arts programs can be powerful forces in recovery from mental illnesses.

Please join us as we:

• Present the research supporting the value and effectiveness of the arts in suppressing negative attitudes and representations of mental illness.
• Describe specific arts programs and share their outcomes.
• Identify general ideas for starting an arts initiative.

We look forward to your participation on November 14 in Art Works!

We welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions: promoteacceptance@samhsa.hhs.gov.

The SAMHSA ADS Center is a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services.

About the SAMHSA ADS Center SAMHSA's Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS Center) helps people design, implement and operate programs that reduce discrimination and stigma associated with mental illnesses. With the most up-to-date research and information, the ADS Center helps individuals, organizations, and governments counter such discrimination and stigma in the community, in the workplace, and in the media.

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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.