The Missouri Mental Health Foundation (MMHF) was created in 2007 to provide a singular focus on raising awareness and public understanding to the many issues that impact individuals and families who are living with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse. The Foundation is dedicated to changing the attitudes of the general population about mental health conditions and helping those who experience them build hope for a brighter future.
The Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity, to allow for the handling of charitable, tax deductible contributions. While the MMHF was created by the Department of Mental Health, it is operated separately and will have its own Board of Directors by April 1, 2009. The Foundation already has its own part-time Executive Director, Debra Walker.
Increasing public awareness and understanding of mental health disorders will help dissolve stigma and open doors to treatment and equal opportunity for participation in schools, communities and the workforce. Supporting the Foundation is your opportunity to make a difference in Changing Attitudes and Building Hope for some of Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens.
Perceptions and attitudes impact everyone…
- the little boy who is teased and bullied on the playground;
- the college student who struggles with depression but checks into the hospital claiming a physical illness;
- the young adult with a developmental disability in search of a job, and;
- the single mom recovering from alcoholism.
The general public’s lack of understanding about mental health conditions and developmental disabilities keeps many Missourians on the sidelines of society and in the shadow of life. The stigma surrounding mental health conditions keeps people from seeking treatment. Stigma shapes public policies that limit treatment options. Battling this stigma is the commitment of the Missouri Mental Health Foundation. They may be considered unemployable and a burden on the rest of society. But what these people really need is HOPE. Hope for the opportunity to participate in all segments of the community. That is what makes them, their families and the community better.
Today in Missouri you may be surprised to know:
- 1 in every 150 babies born will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- Only 10 percent of people with developmental disabilities are employed, despite the fact they are very capable of doing meaningful work.
- About 300,000 adults have a serious mental illness.
- Only 1 in 5 people with a serious mental illness get the treatment they need.
- More than 485,000 Missourians need help with substance abuse.
- Substance abuse by parents is the #1 reason for children being placed out of the home.
Join the fight and help erase the troubling facts mentioned above. Remember there is a face, a person, a family and a community behind each and every mental health condition.
Call For: MISSOURI STIGMA SPOTTERS
Thank you for considering becoming a “STIGMA SPOTTER!” With your help, the State Advisory Council (SAC) for the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services and the Governor’s Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee (SPAC) will be able to promote and reward positive and informative media content and discourage stigmatizing an inaccurate content. It is an opportunity to educate journalists and marketing professionals on the accepted standards for coverage.
Your task as a STIGMA SPOTTER is to pay attention to media that you would ordinarily see, hear, or read within your community (TV, Radio, and Print, including local newspapers, magazines, bulletins, online content, advertising and school publications) for both inaccurate, stigmatizing content and excellence in portraying the issues surrounding mental illness and suicide. When you come across something that inspires and educates, or something that offends or seems inaccurate, you will then provide information about the video, written material, advertising campaign, or other publicly displayed story or information to the Department of Mental Health.
Your submission will be forwarded to the SAC to consider for recognition at the annual Mental Health Awareness Day event each April or, if the topic is specific to suicide it will be forwarded to the SPAC for a potential award during National Suicide Prevention Week in September. Your efforts around the submission will be acknowledged formally during the events. Information that is stigmatizing or inaccurate will generate a letter that includes information about how the media can be part of the solution in covering these sensitive topics.
WHAT TO DO:
- When you spot something of interest, please note the time and date (if applicable) and where the item was displayed, published or broadcast. For example:
- Headline: “People who participate in XYZ mental health program are getting jobs” Published in the Kansas City Star on 1/1/09
- “Young man jumps from bridge” KRCG Jefferson City broadcast date: 2/2/09
- “Halloween Haunted Asylum” sponsored by Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority at XYZ College
- The John Doe Show on radio station ABCD, Polk City. Broadcasted 3/1/09. The host was describing a homeless person as “a crazy drunk” in a discussion of community issues.
- Send the information by email to: rita.mcelhany@dmh.mo.gov. Be sure to put the words “Stigma Spotter” in the subject line. And provide your contact information in the email. You may also call her at 573-751-3220 and leave a message with the information above.
- If you are someone who only watches TV or only reads the newspaper, please help us identify others in your area who may be able to monitor the other media. Let them know about this program and the contribution they can make to ending stigma in Missouri. The more people who are involved the more effective this will be.
- If you have any questions, need more information or have ideas to share about this effort, please feel free to contact Rita McElhany at the contact information above.
