Anti Stigma Initiative

What is the BHRS Anti-Stigma Initiative?

The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services stakeholder community developed a plan with a series of projects for the Prevention and Early Intervention component of the Mental Health Services Act. Recognizing the profound impact that stigma about mental illness and substance abuse has in the community (in all its manifestations), at all levels (clients, family members, general public, service systems), the stakeholders felt it was necessary for one of those projects to focus on stigma.

BHRS Anti-Stigma Initiative Project

Learn about the project as it was written as part of the MHSA PEI Plan.

Anti-Stigma Advisory Council

The mission of the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Anti-Stigma Advisory Council is to advocate for the full inclusion and well-being of all persons with mental health and substance use challenges into our community. Through compassionate outreach, education, tolerance and dialogue, we honor the experiences and contributions of these individuals and families. Check out our Anti-Stigma YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/SanMateoBHRS

Resources

• Pledge to fight the stigma of mental health and substance use conditions - print, sign and return the pledge form.
• ReachOutHere.com - for youths age 14-24 who are going through tough times.
• What a Difference a Friend Makes: for people living with mental illness—and their friends www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/
• Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative: SAMHSA Toolkit.
• www.activeminds.org : how to use the student voice to change the conversation about mental health on college campuses.

For more information about the BHRS’s Anti-Stigma Initiative, please contact Jei Africa, Health Equity Initiatives Manager for San Mateo County at (650) 573-2714, or email Jafrica@smcgov.org.