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SAMHSA News Room
Contact Media Services: (240) 276-2130

SAMHSA Advisory

Date: 11/27/2006
Media Contact: SAMHSA Press
Telephone: 240-276-2130

SAMHSA and Ad Council Unveil National Mental Health Anti-Stigma Campaign

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in partnership with the Ad Council, will launch a national awareness public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to decrease the negative attitudes that surround mental illness and encourage young adults to support their friends who are living with mental health problems. In addition to the campaign launch, the results of a new HealthStyles survey, licensed by Porter Novelli to SAMHSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be announced at the event.

According to SAMHSA, in 2005 there were an estimated 24.6 million adults aged 18 or older who experienced serious psychological distress (SPD), which is highly correlated with serious mental illness. Among 18 to 25 year olds, the prevalence of SPD is high (18.6 % for 18-25, vs. 11.3% for all adults 18+), yet this age group shows the lowest rate of help-seeking behaviors. Additionally, those with mental health conditions in this segment have a high potential to minimize future disability if social acceptance is broadened and they receive the right support and services early on.

Created pro bono by Grey Worldwide, the new PSA campaign aims to reach 18 to 25 year old adults who have friends living with mental illnesses and highlights the importance of their providing support.

WHO: Speakers for the event will include:

  • Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H., Acting Surgeon General
  • Assistant Surgeon General Eric Broderick, D.D.S., M.P.H., SAMHSA's Acting Deputy Administrator
  • Rosemarie Kobau, MPH, Division of Adult and Community Health, CDC
  • A. Kathryn Power, Director, Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA
  • Peggy Conlon, President and CEO, Ad Council
  • Persons in treatment and recovery

WHEN: December 4, 2006 / 9:30 a.m.

WHERE:
National Press Club, Murrow/Bourke-White/Lisagore Rooms
14th and F Streets, NW
Washington, D.C.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment, and mental health services delivery system.


Page Last Updated: 12/1/2006