Campaign for Mental Health Recovery Regional Forum
Since the launch of the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery (CMHR) (www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov) all 50 States and the District of Columbia have identified a State coordinator and partners who are working together to establish programs and activities in support of the CMHR and other mental health stigma reduction efforts. Due to the diverse needs and resources of each State, coordinators and partners are at various phases in the planning, development, and implementation of their CMHR activities. The SAMHSA ADS Center sponsored its first regional forum to provide CMHR coordinators and partners with an opportunity to connect with and learn from one another.
Two presenters shared their experiences as State coordinators and talked about their local efforts to support the CMHR.
To access the archived recording of the regional forum, please follow the instructions below:
- Call the playback dial-in number: 1-888-844-1786
- When prompted, enter the reference number: 246406#
Presenters for the regional forum developed PowerPoint presentations that you can download to follow along with during the presentation and discussion period.
Wendy Bailey’s
Rita McElhany’s
Presenters
Wendy Bailey
Mississippi CMHR State Coordinator
Director of Public Relations, Mississippi Department of Mental Health
As the Mississippi CMHR State coordinator, Ms. Bailey has developed innovative ideas and activities as a means of supporting the CMHR and educating the public. In May, Mississippi launched the “What a Difference a Friend Makes” statewide anti-stigma campaign. They developed their own public service announcements (PSAs) which were distributed to local radio and television stations, including college and university stations. Ms. Bailey has organized regional coalitions throughout the State and developed promotional items to engage the public. A committee of 40 individuals also was created to work with local colleges and universities in engaging local celebrities to maximize interest for the Campaign.
Rita McElhany
Missouri CMHR State Coordinator
Community Development Manager, Missouri Department of Mental Health
Ms. McElhany has been given the responsibility of working on the issue of mental health stigma for the Department of Mental Health in Missouri. In this capacity, she has worked extensively to garner support for the CMHR and has established partnerships and media contacts throughout the State. She has reached out to neighboring States and is looking to do outreach to Spanish-speaking communities in the upcoming months. During the summer, Ms. McElhany featured the CMHR at the Missouri State Fair where CMHR materials and PSAs were made available to the public.
Telephone: 703-516-7973
For additional regional forum information, contact the Campaign Liaisons:
America Doria-Medina
E-mail: America.Doria-Medina@macrointernational.com
Telephone: 240-747-4955
Elizabeth Edgar
E-mail: nasc-liaison@nami.org
Telephone: 703-516-7973