The NIMH Outreach Program http://www.outreach.nimh.nih.gov/ is a nationwide outreach initiative of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that enlists State and national organizations to help bridge mental health research and clinical practice, inform the public about mental disorders, and reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses.

The Mental Health Association in Michigan has joined non-profit organizations or universities in every State and DC as Outreach Partners.

Objectives:

The Outreach Partnership Program is a vital element in the broad NIMH outreach effort to deliver science-based information to the public, health professionals, constituency groups and other key stakeholders. Through the Outreach Partners and Partnership Network Members, NIMH strives to:

Disseminate science based information on mental illnesses, alcholism, and drug abuse to consumers, families and policy makers at the State and local level to support understanding of accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Increase awareness and knowledge about mental illnesses through targeted coalitions (e.g. alliances, partnerships, etc.) to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental disorders.

Encourage individuals with symptoms of mental illness to seek help.

Reduce disparitities that exist in access to care and health outcomes due to care, culture, age, geographical location, and gender through outreach activities to underserved populations as well as the general public, health professionals, and other key stakeholders.

For information about the Outreach Partnership program, please go to http://www.nimh.nih.gov/outreach/partners/contact.cfm or e-mail outreach@mail.nih.gov

For information about mental health topics, NIMH and its other programs, please go to http://www.nimh.nih.gov/About/index.cfm or e-mail nimhinfo@nih.gov.

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