Discrimination & Stigma

Organizations

SAMHSA's Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS Center)
http://stopstigma.samhsa.gov/
The ADS Center helps people design, implement and operate programs that reduce discrimination and stigma associated with mental illnesses. With the most up-to-date research and information, the Center helps individuals, organizations and governments counter such discrimination and stigma in the community, in the workplace, and in the media.
Kids on the Block
http://www.kotb.com/
Kids on the Block is an educational puppet programs that enlightens children on the issues of disability awareness, medical-educational differences, and social concerns.
Mental health: it’s part of all our lives.
http://www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov/index.html
NAMI StigmaBusters
http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=fight_stigma
NAMI StigmaBusters is s group of dedicated advocates across the country and around the world who seek to fight the pervasive and often hurtful representations of mental illness. They speak out against stereotypical media portrayals of people with mental illnesses. Their goal is to break down barriers of discrimination by promoting education, understanding and respect. This is a service of the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI).
No Stigma
http://www.nostigma.org
No Stigma is a nationwide public education campaign dedicated to combating the stigma associated with mental illness among youth, adults and seniors. NMHAC's goal is to reduce the discrimination experienced by Americans living with mental illness and substantially increase the numbers of affected persons accessing mental health services.
Open Minds
http://www.openminds.com/default.htm
OPEN MINDS is a National behavioral health and social service industry market research and management consulting firm. Its mission is to provide executives in the field with the management knowledge and management tools necessary to create 'best value' for consumers by facilitating the development of effective service financing and delivery systems. This site provides a variety of resources for people interested in the mental health field.
The Carter Center's Mental Health Program
http://www.cartercenter.org/healthprograms/showdoc.asp?programID=6&submenu=healthprograms
Mrs. Carter continues her advocacy efforts through The Carter Center's Mental Health Program, founded in 1991. The program focuses on mental health policy issues with four strategic goals: To reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses; To achieve equity for mental health care comparable to other health care; To advance promotion, prevention, and early intervention services for children and their families; To increase public awareness worldwide about mental health and mental illness and to stimulate local actions to address those issues.

Online Resources

Metanoia
http://www.metanoia.org/
Metanoia is an advocacy initiative dedicated to breaking down barriers that keep people from getting good mental health help.
National Mental Health Association - Stigma Watch
http://www.nmha.org/newsroom/stigma/index.cfm
This is a program thst tracks news and entertainment coverage of mental health issues for fairness and accuracy. The goal is to correct and prevent stigmatizing advertising, television and radio programming, and print features.
Factsforhealth.org
http://www.factsforhealth.org/
Factsforhealth.org was created by the not-for-profit Madison Institute of Medicine to increase the understanding of mental health disorders. Helps people identify, understand and find treatment for social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Provides clinician referrals and free online CME courses for PTSD and PMDD.
Bandaides and Blackboards
http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/fleitas/contents.html
This website is about growing up with medical problems and disabilities. The goal is to help people understand what it is like from the perspective of children and teens who are doing so.
Anti-Stigma Home Page
http://www.stigmanet.org
The Anti-Stigma Home Page focuses on inaccurate images of mental illness in news, advertising, and entertainment media. It has links to related news, resources and information about the National Stigma Clearinghouse.
From Privileges to Rights: People Labeled with Psychiatric Disabilities Speak for Themselves
http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2005/publications.htm
This site contains report from the National Council on Disability that recommends self-determination, dignity, and choice as the cornerstone of public policy for people with psychiatric disabilities. It is based on testimonies of people with psychiatric disabilities at an NCD hearing in 1998.
iFred (International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression)
http://www.ifred.org/
iFred is an organization dedicated to researching causes of depression, to support those dealing with depression, and to combat the stigma associated with depression.This site serves individuals diagnosed with depression, families, employers, and the general public.
Will I Go Crazy?
http://willigocrazy.org/
This site addresses mental disorders and related issues, including stigma.
Nothing to Hide: Mental Illness in the Family
http://www.familydiv.org/nothingtohide.php
A touring phtograph-text exhibit created by the non-profit Family Diversity Projects is found on this site. It features portraits of twenty individuals and their families whose lives are affected by mental illness