Capacity and needs for mental health anti-stigma programs: Results from a statewide survey of community partners

Background: Mental illness stigma plays a broad, negative effect on individuals needing mental health treatment and those with mental health conditions. Policy makers and advocates have made the elimination of stigma, prejudice, and discrimination a major public health priority.   Advocates have developed stigma and discrimination reduction (SDR) programs to raise awareness and counteract stigma's deleterious effects. SDR programs involving direct interaction with a person with mental illness show significant improvement in participants’ attitudes, versus protest, education or control conditions (Corrigan et al, 2001).

Objective: To summarize an assessment of the diverse SDR programs in California, including their capacities and needs. 

Methods: Evaluation of SDR programs using protest, education, contact, and other novel methods was a collaboration between The Center for Dignity, Recovery & Empowerment, two universities, and multiple consumer-run, community-based organizations.

Results/Implications: Ninety-eight SDR programs were identified by our 5 regional community liaisons as potential partners; 60 (61.2%) completed our survey.  Presence of local project liaisons improved follow-up rate only when research training was provided on-site.  Findings from the assessment describe levels of existing capacity (mostly in the form of speakers' bureaus), a continued need of SDR programs, and growing programming being developed across all counties of California.  Notably, rural counties has significantly fewer services, were less likely to rely on word-of-mouth outreach, and were reported fewer services targeting ethnic/racial minority groups. We will present integration of research with technical assistance to address service gaps.  We will conclude by reviewing lessons learned and implications for future research and stigma strategies.