Training Teleconference - September 14, 2006
Protest and Reward Strategies
To access an archived recording of the training teleconference and presentation materials please contact the ADS Center at promoteacceptance@samhsa.hhs.gov or 1-800-540-0320.
Recovery from mental illness is a complex process. As with all serious illness, the well-being of recovering individuals is affected by the attitudes that surround them. [Challenging Stereotypes: An Action Guide. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services.]
Many problems confronting people with mental illnesses result from public misunderstanding about psychiatric disorders. At the most harmful levels, these misunderstandings rob people of rightful life opportunities. There are a variety of strategies that advocates might use to change negative attitudes and behaviors directed at people with mental illnesses. Strategies differ in terms of advantages and disadvantages and will differ with the community in which stigma change is sought. According to Patrick Corrigan, Psy.D., strategies that accomplish these goals include protest that demands righteous change and reward that seeks to partner with allies who will promote and enhance positive and appropriate attitudes.
This training will:
- Present the research supporting the value and effectiveness of protest strategies in suppressing negative attitudes and representations of mental illness.
- Describe specific protest and reward models or approaches and share the program outcomes.
James Radack, National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
James Radack is the Senior Vice President for Public Affairs at NMHA. He directs messaging and public outreach, and oversees NMHA's communications, public education programming, Resource Center, and Annual Meeting. These activities annually generate more than a billion media impressions, educate nearly 500,000 people through 5,000 plus events, and generate more than one million inquiries for information from the general public. Since joining NMHA in 1996, Mr. Radack's accomplishments have included a number of highly successful health communications and social marketing campaigns. In addition, he co-authored "Mental Illness and the Myth of Violent Behavior" in Violence in Homes and Communities. He received the Circle of Distinction from the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development of the American Hospital Association for his work on Childhood Depression Awareness Day.
Bob Carolla, J.D., National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Bob Carolla is Director of Media Relations for NAMI, focusing on policy communications and overseeing NAMI's StigmaBuster program. This group of dedicated advocates seeks to fight the inaccurate, hurtful representations of mental illnesses. Whether these images are found in TV, film, print, or other media, StigmaBusters speak out and challenge stereotypes in an effort to educate society about the reality of mental illness and the courageous struggles faced by consumers and families every day. Mr. Carolla also serves on the editorial board of BP magazine, a publication dedicated to the interests of people living with bipolar disorder. Mr. Carolla served for ten years as legislative counsel to former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell of Maine, handling a broad range of issues, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. He was topics editor of the American Journal of Law & Medicine at Boston University Law School.
Deanna Troust, Vanguard Communications
Deanna Troust is Vice President of Creative Services at Vanguard where she oversees the creative materials development process for its clients, with special emphasis on the areas of mental health, multicultural and online communications, and advertising. From 2002 to early 2005, Ms. Troust served as the project director for the Federal Center for Mental Health Services' Elimination of Barriers Initiative. She coordinated an extensive team of internal staff and dozens of external partners to develop award-winning, culturally-relevant TV, radio, and print PSAs; public education materials; and curricula. The campaign's technical assistance component has guided eight pilot States in adopting and implementing the Initiative. Currently, Ms. Troust is coordinating a series of regional meetings in support of SAMHSA's National Anti Stigma Campaign. She also helps plan and implement SAMHSA's annual Voice Awards program.