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Community Network Services Breaks Down the Walls of Shame With Its Anti-Stigma Team

Posted on: Thursday, 20 April 2006, 09:01 CDT

WALLED LAKE, Mich., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Network Services, Inc. (CNS), a provider of community-based mental health services in Oakland County, is conducting presentations and panel discussions at local organizations as part of its Anti-Stigma Program. The program offers support and education about mental health and is designed to help erase the stigma that often accompanies a mental health diagnosis.

Funded through a grant from the federal Department of Community Health, the program was created by CNS colleagues Laura Farwell, Education and Training Director; Martha Rodgers, Manager of Programs and Marti Hurford, Director of Quality Management. The program is hosted by CNS' Anti-Stigma Team, which is comprised of Erin Kinney, Malkia Maisha and Margaret Thele, three women who have come forward to share their personal experiences and struggles with mental health in an effort to make a difference in the lives of others. The goal of the presentations is to eradicate the negative effects of stigma tied to mental health and surrounding issues involving consumers, their loved ones and the communities in which they live and work. Panel discussions consist of knowledgeable consumers and family members who have successfully overcome stigma, and professionals providing advice and assistance for those who need it. Additionally, anyone in the community experiencing stigma can call the Anti-Stigma Hotline at 248-745-4900, ext. 1059 for support and to find resources in their area.

Upcoming program dates include: -- Presentation to professionals, 4/25/06 3:00 PM - Common Ground, 44590 Woodward Ave, Pontiac, MI. -- Presentation to professionals, 4/26/06 1:00 PM - CNS Walled Lake, 1885 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, MI (residential advisors meeting) -- Consumers and support persons, 4/27/06 7:00 PM - Beaumont Hospital Administrative Building, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI -- General public, 4/30/06 4:00 PM - Galilean Baptist Church, 326 Midway, Pontiac, MI.

"On behalf of my family which has experienced mental illness and suicide, I thank you so much for your courage," said an attendee at one of the recent Anti-Stigma programs. Another attendee, a Stony Creek High School student, said at a recent program, "I liked how everyone shared their stories as if they were proof that you can get help and that there are others out there what can help you."

"Research has shown that in the United States alone, over 50 million people are battling mental health and substance abuse disorders and less than 30 percent will seek treatment," said Altona Rone, president of CNS. "It is believed that the stigma associated with a mental health diagnosis greatly contributes to those numbers. Our Anti-Stigma Program's aim is to help break down the walls of stigma and encourage consumers who need help to get it."

The Anti-Stigma Programs' presentations and discussions are geared towards civic organizations, educational institutions, places of worship, businesses and corporations, clubhouses and drop-in centers. To schedule a program for your organization or for more information, please contact the CNS Anti-Stigma Team at 248-745-4900, ex. 1058.

Community Network Services is a private, non-profit human services agency that provides comprehensive mental health and social services that serves more than 2,500 consumers in Oakland County. The organization was recently honored by Crain's Detroit Business as a "Cool Place to Work." For more information, call 800-615-0411 or visit http://www.cnsmi.org/ .

Community Network Services, Inc.

CONTACT: Nancy A. Bakanowicz of Ntouch Communications Group,+1-248-423-9205 ext. 224

Web site: http://www.cnsmi.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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