# Presentation: 838777

## Mississippi Department of Mental Health

- “What a Difference a Friend Makes in Mississippi”

## DMH Anti-Stigma Campaign

- The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to launch a statewide Anti-Stigma Campaign.

## Anti-Stigma Campaign

- In order to have a successful campaign, DMH formed a committee with 40 representatives from DMH facilities, Community Mental Health Centers, mental health associations, hospitals and other organizations statewide.

## Anti-Stigma Committee

- Statewide Committee Members formed small regional teams in different areas of the state.
- Each team is comprised of 8-15 members, making it a total of more than 100 representatives statewide working to spread the campaign’s message.

## Mississippi Kick-off

- The Mississippi Anti-Stigma Committee held a press conference for the launch of the campaign in May 2007.
- More than 80 people attended the press conference along with television, radio and newspaper representatives.

## Localizing PSAs

- Mississippi decided to create two local PSAs to distribute statewide in conjunction with SAMHSA/Ad Council PSAs.
- Television voiceovers were used for radio PSAs.
- PSAs are shown during presentations.

## Working with the Media

- Created a letter to the editor from the Executive Director of DMH.
- Participated in more than 25 television and radio interviews since kickoff.
- More than 70 newspaper and newsletter articles have been published.

## Working With Partners

- Partnering with NAMI for In Your Own Voice.
- Partnering with MHA for Mind Jazz.
- Partnering with organizations such as Chamber of Commerce.
- Partnering with schools and colleges.
- Partnering with businesses for sponsorship opportunities.
- Have partners add info to their Web site.

## Working with Schools

- Give presentations and distribute brochures. Examples: freshmen orientation, chapel, psychology classes.
- Articles in high school and college newspapers.
- Partner with seniors for senior projects.

## Reaching Target Audience

- Participate in Town Hall meetings.
- Partner with organizations for anti-stigma and art fairs with African-American colleges in MS during 2008.
- Create a MySpace page for the campaign in Mississippi.
- Identifying a celebrity spokesperson.

## Results of Stigma	

- Many people do not seek treatment because of stigma and the fear of family members and friends not accepting them.
- Lack of treatment for mental illness, isolation, and other factors can result in suicide.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds in Mississippi.

## Combining Resources

- DMH is combining resources and discussing youth suicide prevention in relation to stigma at colleges statewide.
- DMH found speakers who can present their personal story and relate to the target audience.

## For More Information

- Contact:
- 	Wendy D. Bailey
- 	Director of Public Information Mississippi Department of Mental Health
- 	601-359-1288 _[wendy.bailey@dmh.state.ms.us](mailto:wendy.bailey@dmh.state.ms.us)_.

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"Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together“
- Woodrow Wilson 

*"Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together“*
*- Woodrow Wilson *