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This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network.

October 2005

CMHS Program Spotlight: The Center on Women, Violence and Trauma Ten years ago, a landmark SAMHSA-sponsored conference, Dare to Vision, gave voice to women who had struggled with the consequences of trauma and re-traumatization. Their personal stories of pain and transformation opened the mental health field to discussions about trauma and violence. A five-year multi-site research study, the Women, Co-Occurring Disorders and Violence Study followed, documenting that integrated, consumer-informed services can play a key role in recovery. SAMHSA is now taking a big step forward on this issue, launching the new national Center on Women, Violence and Trauma, and planning ways to help states and communities become “trauma-informed.” Mental Illness Awareness Week - October 2-8, 2005 "Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual national observance that a 1986 presidential proclamation created to recognize “the urgent need to educate the American public about mental illnesses and their treatments.” Mental Illness Awareness Week activities will be held from October 2-8, 2005. The theme for this year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week, Leveling the Playing Field: Eliminating the Unintended Consequences of Mental Illness, reflects the hope and real possibility of reclaiming lives in all communities across the country. During this annual celebration, people from all walks of life will recognize the challenges of mental illness and celebrate their own recovery and that of loved ones. National Depression Screening Day - October 6, 2005 National Depression Screening Day is observed each October along with Mental Illness Awareness Week. This national observance focuses attention on depression and other mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The goals of this observance are to educate the public and clinicians about the symptoms and effective treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, to offer individuals opportunities to be screened for these disorders, and to connect individuals in need of treatment with appropriate mental health care services. National Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2005 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an annual observance sponsored by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. During this month, national, State, and community-based domestic violence prevention and victim service organizations, corporations, health care providers, faith-based groups, public agencies, and other organizations will highlight activities that mark the observance with recognition ceremonies, memorial activities, public education campaigns, community outreach events, news conferences, and more.