Training Teleconference -September 26, 2007
National Anti-Stigma Campaign (NASC): Building Partnerships That Work
Research has proven that the contact approach is one of the most effective means of reducing stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses. But did you know that the contact approach also can be used to build partnerships? When it comes to attracting partners from consumer groups, businesses, local government agencies, and other organizations, you need communication tools not only to attract partners but also to help work with these partners to promote your activities and successes. The contact approach can be one of those communication tools, particularly when undertaking local and State efforts in conjunction with the National Anti-Stigma Campaign (NASC).
This training will:
- Discuss the benefits and challenges of the contact approach and how it can be used to build partnerships.
- Discuss the effectiveness of participatory dialogue that highlight the contact approach to reduce stigma and discrimination.
- Explore how NASC materials and information may be used to jumpstart additional anti-stigma efforts
Chris Marshall, Consumer Affairs Specialist, Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
As a consumer affairs specialist and project officer for CMHS, Chris leads many activities and programs that promote the meaningful participation of consumers in the mental health system and in mental health policy development. Chris focuses on issues of recovery, self-care, peer support, consumer education, privacy of health care information, discrimination and stigma, aging, and others. Chris is the project officer for SAMHSA's National Anti-Stigma Campaign, a nationwide public education effort that develop and distribute television, radio, and print public service announcements. Chris leads dialogue and regional consumer meetings and is also the lead staff for the CMHS National Advisory Council's Subcommittee on Consumer/Survivor Issues. Chris also is a self-identified consumer who has spoken out on these issues in press conferences, TV interviews, and other media.
Anna Scheyett, M.S., M. Phil., M.S.W., L.C.S. W.
Anna Scheyett is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, where she teaches health and mental health courses in the Masters program. Anna received her Master's in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has Master's in Science and Philosophy from Yale University, and is "all but dissertation" from the School of Social Work at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada. She has consulted, researched, and trained in the areas of adult health and mental health services, with particular interest in case management, psychiatric advance directives, stigma, and HIV.
Carmen Lee, Director, Stamp Out Stigma
Carmen suffers from an anaclitic depression that has caused her to be hospitalized collectively for 20 plus years. Her illness surfaced in the early 60's when Carmen was 23; at this time, long hospitalizations were deemed a necessary part of treatment. As a child, Carmen knew something was wrong, but thought everyone felt the same way and assumed they were pretending to be joyous and happy. She struggled through life accomplishing a lot even though it took much more energy than for most people. She went to college, became an airline stewardess, then married and had one child. With the responsibilities of caring for a young daughter, and living in a strange city, Carmen began to slip away into a deep depression and eventually catatonia. Thus began her years of hospital settings, shock treatments, medications and psychotherapy. In 1967 a prefrontal lobotomy was recommended, but Carmen's then-husband would not sign the papers. It's the one-on-one talk therapy that really enabled Carmen to reach a functioning and comfortable level of living and productivity. It's been many years since Carmen has been in the hospital, and she has made numerous contributions to both the mental health and general community. In 1985, she began the local Network of Mental Health Clients, and then in 1990 developed Stamp Out Stigma, which is nationally recognized as an effective program to address stigma and discrimination. Carmen also served as a county commissioner for eight years, is currently a member of the California State Mental Health Council, as well as the consumer representative on the federally funded Western States Decision Support Group. Carmen believes that anyone, if they accept and work around their illness, can take something that has been painful and negative and turn it around for a positive force for change.
Sarah O'Brien, Director, In Our Own Voice
Sarah graduated in 2001 with a BA from Goucher College. She became a NAMI "In Our Own Voice" Presenter in 2001 and a National Trainer for the program in 2003. "In Our Own Voice" is a public speaking program for consumers created by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In 2004 and 2005 Sarah worked as the Peer Education and Support Group Coordinator for NAMI Montgomery County, MD. In 2006 she took the position of IOOV Program Director at NAMI's national office. It is Sarah's joy to dedicate her work to something she cares so deeply about-recovery for those with mental illness and the discovery of a voice with the power to break down stigma. Sarah lives with bipolar disorder.