“People with mental illnesses are probably the most socially excluded group in New Jersey.̶= 1; (NJ Governor’s Mental Health Task Force Report. March 31, 2005).

Stigma and prejudice about mental disorders punish individuals, families and communities. People with mental illness are hurt = by direct comments and by the loss of access to critical community resources - friendships, work, school, housing, insurance, medical care and even connec= tion to their faith communities. T= hey are hurt by the inadequate treatment available, treatment that pales in comparison with treatment for “medical” illnesses such as heart disease. They are hurt by the= shame of internalized stigma. They and their community are hurt when two-t= hirds of diagnosable, treatable mental illness goes untreated because the stigma = of mental illness can be more challenging than the illness itself.

The time to e= nd this stigma is NOW. A coalition of organizations including the Mercer County Department of Human Services, NAMI Mercer, The United Way of Greater Mercer County, the Mental Health Board and Mental Health Professional and Human Services Advisory Councils of Mercer County, are initiating a Campaign to E= nd the Stigma of Mental Illness in Mercer County. Other organizations are signing on as partners.&= nbsp;

We can reduce the stigma of mental illness in Mercer County and increase access to the resources and opportunities needed for a fuller life.

The time is right for this campaign. Increasingly, public figures like Mary Jo Codey and ordinary citizens are saying unashamedly that mental illness has been part of their lives.

We have effective tools to combat stigma, including a well-= developed mental health consumer recovery program, In Our Own Voice, a strong mental health community, and progressive busine= sses and community groups.

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Mercer County can take the lead, bringing local community organizations together to help people affected by mental illness affirm their dignity and position in this community.

Our goals - Change Attitudes and Actions, Improve Understanding and Access

Change attitudes about people with mental illness and disconfirm nega= tive stereotypes

Increase understanding of people affected by mental illness, of their commonality with others, and of recovery
Change actions and open access to the various resources of key commun= ity institutions
Promote equal inclusion of people affected by mental illness in our institutions and in our discourse

Our strategies

§= a. = Businesses and employers

= b. Public services

= c. = Churches and faith communities

= d. Neighborhood and community organizations

= e. = Police and law enforcement

= f. = Elected public officials

= g. = Medical personnel, particularly physicians, nurses, hospital and emergency room sta= ff

= h. = Educators

= i. = Media

§= a. = In Our Own Voice, the mental health consumer recovery education program of NAMI

= b. The Reduce Stigma through Meeting and Learning program of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Department of UMDNJ

= c. = Educating the Educators

= d. Visions for Tomorrow Professional Education program

= e. = Other programs to be developed

§= f. = Establish small work groups in particular areas (e.= g. business and employers) to develop practical guidelines for access and inclusion

= g. = Promote the guidelines and identify model organizations

Our Objectives<= /span>

Our message <= /b>

o      = People who have mental illnesses have the same needs as everyone else.
Meaningful work, decent affordable housing, access to health care, a sufficient public education, positive relationships, and acceptance by fami= ly and peers matter to each of us.

o      = People who have mental illnesses can and do recover and live productive lives.
Recovery means different things to different people. It can mean being able= to hold down a job. It can mean going back to school, working to one's capacit= y or having a close relationship with family and friends. Recovery means feeling responsibility for one's life and a sense of control over one's problems. <= /p>
o      = People who have mental illnesses make valuable contributions to society.<= br> Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill experienced depression. Actress Patty Duke and musician Peter Gabriel live with manic depression. Overcoming the stigma associated with a mental illness enables people living with mental illnesses to reclaim their lives and to enjoy meaningful careers.

o&nb= sp;      Discrimination against people who ha= ve mental illnesses keeps them from seeking help.
Only a minority of the one and a half million children and adults living wi= th a mental or behavioral disorder in New Jersey receives treatment. Fear of disclosure, rejection by friends, and discrimination are some of the reasons why.

o&nb= sp;      Discrimination against people who have mental illnesses violates their basic human rights<= /strong> Despite the provisions of the Ame= ricans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights laws, people with mental illne= sses experience discrimination in the workplace, education, housing, healthcare,= and at home.

By standing out to break down the st= igma of mental illness,

individuals and organizations in = local communities can show their

acceptance and respect for people affected by mental illness, and can

open opportunities previously den= ied-

the right to affordable housing, health care, equal opportunity employment, and sufficient public education. Join those living with a mental illness= on this

journey from shame and isolation to d= ignity and responsibility.