About Us

The SAMHSA ADS Center enhances social acceptance and inclusion by ensuring that people with mental health problems can live full, productive lives within communities without fear of prejudice and discrimination. We provide information and assistance to develop successful efforts to counteract prejudice and discrimination and promote social inclusion.

Formerly known as, SAMHSA’s Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma, the Center was re-named in 2008 to SAMHSA’s Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center).

The change reflects a new approach: to promote a strengths-based vision, recognizing the importance of a caring, welcoming, and supportive community in helping to promote recovery and wellness for people with mental health problems. Reducing stigma and discrimination continues to be part of the ADS Center’s work.

The SAMHSA ADS Center offers:

• Information about what works to promote acceptance and social inclusion of people with mental illnesses.
• Training and technical assistance to help create initiatives to promote social inclusion.
• Information about how to connect with more than 50 existing international, national and local campaigns and programs.
• Information about available publications, events, research, and issues of relevance regarding prejudice and discrimination associated with mental illnesses.
• A comprehensive online library of more than 2,000 items that addresses prejudice and discrimination.
• Resources and information promoting social inclusion related to special populations such as: children, older adults, and racial and gender minorities as well as information for employers, realtors/landlords, medical providers, educators, faith groups, policy makers, and the media.

 The ADS Center's staff is available by phone, mail, and e-mail to provide counsel and assistance.

The 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.