May Is Mental Health Month 2003 to Focus on Workplace Outreach

National Mental Health Association
Wednesday, 2 April 2003

National Observance Emphasizes Importance of Mental Health

Mental Health Month, a national health observance founded by the National Mental Health Association, focuses the nation's attention on the importance of mental health and the realities of mental illness. One in five Americans experience a mental disorder each year, making mental illness more prevalent than cancer, lung and heart disease combined.

"Caring for our mental health as part of our daily routine is imperative to our overall health," said Michael Faenza, NMHA President and CEO. "Promoting mental health must be a priority for communities nationwide — especially in this time of uncertainty."

Mental Health Month helps communities nationwide disseminate information about mental health, mental illness, treatment options and mental health policy. Along with the support of organizations dedicated to spreading the word that Mental Health Matters — Every Day!, NMHA has produced a planning guide to help educate the public through special events, media outreach, advocacy and educational programs.

"This year's observance puts a special focus on the workplace as an ideal setting in which to encourage people to incorporate mental health awareness into their daily lives," said Michael Faenza, NMHA president and CEO. "NMHA's materials will offer employers ways they can support their employees' mental health while increasing morale, productivity and the organization's bottom line."

The guide also provides materials for Childhood Depression Awareness Day, Children's Mental Health Week, National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day and Older American's Mental Health Week.

For more information on local events and how to purchase the Mental Health Month planning guide, call 800-969-NMHA (6642), or visit NMHA's Web site at www.nmha.org.

The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service.

For more information, or to contact National Mental Health Association, see their website at: www.nmha.org