As the largest purchaser of mental health services and the largest funder of mental health research in the world, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is in a unique position to promote elimination of the stigma associated with mental illness that prevents countless individuals from receiving needed mental health interventions. Consistent with this position, recent DHHS activities have been targeted to reducing stigma among individuals with mental disorders, as well as stigmatizing attitudes among the general public toward those with mental illnesses. The proposed presentation will address three areas. First, various DHHS activities and programmatic efforts to reduce stigma will be highlighted, specifically those within the Center for Mental Health Services and the National Institute of Mental Health. Second, the Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health will be discussed, with specific attention to the role of the Report in identifying and addressing the negative effects of stigma. Finally, opportunities for further federal activities aimed at reducing stigma will be explored, including an examination of research needs and possible program and policy options.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1) Identify several activities that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has undertaken to reduce mental illness stigma 2) Understand the role of the Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health in reducing stigma 3) Examine ways in which the participant's own institution or program can promote the reduction of mental illness stigma
Keywords: Mental Health, Government
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.