How to keep the initiative going

In 2003, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, launched the Elimination of Barriers Initiative (EBI). Based in eight pilot states, the EBI was a federal demonstration and evaluation project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Center for Mental Health Services. The goal of the EBI is to build awareness of and counter the discrimination and stigma associated with mental health problems. The EBI laid much of the groundwork for the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery (CMHR).

The EBI Resource Kit is designed to support the activities of those who plan to mount a statewide effort to address and counter stigma and discrimination. It is intended for use by states, local mental health advocates, consumers, family members, community leaders, and other organizations and individuals who have dedicated themselves to eliminating the barriers of stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental illnesses. It is divided into four sections, in addition to the introduction. Section 2, "Mounting a Statewide Anti Stigma Campaign," offers guidance on the basic mechanics of planning and implementing a statewide initiative. Section 3, "Outreach Materials," provides sample materials and templates you can use to develop and customize your own communications materials. Section 4, "Best Practices," includes tactics to enhance and maximize your outreach efforts. And Section 5, "Resources," provides several directories of resources for creating your own public education materials, including communications resources, photography and graphics resources, and more.