Create change-advocates and professional communicators in breaking the stigma of mental illness, partnering with underfunded mental-health agencies, sharing the message of treatment, hope and recovery
Stigma is a human-rights issue. Because of the stigma of mental illness, individuals are denied jobs, housing, fair treatment by law enforcement officials, adequate funds for treatment and recovery and friendship. Stigma causes shame and isolation--even for family members. Our core program, Communicators for Mental Health, trains professional communicators to be advocates in the workplace and partners with underfunded mental-health agencies in breaking the stigma, and offering hope and recovery.
18-month pilot project educates professional communicators on stigma, human rights, treatment and recovery, and as advocates and pro bono volunteers with underfunded mental health agencies to increase reach and effect change. Going national: 2011.
1 in 4 of us will experience mental illness ... When it is legitimately recognized and respected on par with other illnesses of the human body, such as heart disease and kidney disease, the denial of human rights will cease to be an issue.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
