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National Alliance on Mental Illness
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NAMI StigmaBuster Alert: December 12, 2007

Fighting Stigma in the Military

The federal Resource Center to Address Discrimination & Stigma Associated With Mental Illness (ADS Center) will sponsor a free teleconference training  on  Reducing Stigma for American Soldiers on Thursday, December 20, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.(ET).

Register online before Tuesday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m.

NAMI recently called on the Army to end stigma and discrimination, protesting the Army’s prosecution of 1st Lt. Elizabeth Whiteside for the “crime” of mental illness. An Army hearing officer has since recommended against a court-martial, but a final decision is pending. The Army also does not pay for the lodging of family members of soldiers being treated for mental illnesses in Army hospitals, to support recovery, even though it is provided to families of soldiers with physical wounds.

Read NAMI’s letter and please send a Christmas card to the Secretary of the Army, asking for immediate steps to provide education on mental illnesses at all command levels and to stop discrimination against families of soldiers being treated for mental illnesses.

The Honorable Pete Geren
Secretary of the Army
101 Army Pentagon
Washington, DC  20310-0101

Hope on the Hallmark Channel, December 30

Approximately 50 percent of individuals with severe mental illnesses are affected by alcohol and substance abuse. On Sunday, December 30 at 7 a.m. ET and PT (6 a.m. CT),   Finding Hope in Recovery: Families Living with Addiction  will air on the Hallmark Channel.  Produced by Mennonite Media, the documentary is part of the Faith & Values series that examines issues involving stigma in society. An earlier production was Shadow Voices: Finding Hope in Mental Illness.

Voice Awards: Nomination Deadlines

The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is asking for nominations for the 2008 Voice Awards, honoring television and film writers and producers who incorporate dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of people with mental illnesses—as well as mental health consumer leaders for their contributions in reducing stigma. 

If you know of a deserving film or television show released betweenJanuary 1, 2006, and September 30, 2007 please nominate. Entertainment industry nominations are due Friday, January 4, 2008.

If you know of a consumer who has helped lead grassroots efforts to reduce stigma, please also nominate! Consumer nominations are due Friday, January 18, 2008.

Nominate at www.voiceawards.samhsa.gov . Nominations are free, open to anyone, and there is no limit to the number an individual can submit. Consideration will be given especially to nominees who have focused on special populations, such as racially and ethnically diverse groups and young adults ages 18 to 24.

Happy Holidays!

NAMI looks forward to your continued support in 2008. Your eyes and ears help us make a difference.  Consider a gift to NAMI today .

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