California Department of Mental Health

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Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Advisory Committee

In Spring 2007, the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) convened an Advisory Committee of stakeholders to develop recommendations for reducing stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness. In June 2007, the committee provided a report, Eliminating Stigma and Discrimination Against Persons with Mental Health Disabilities: A Project of the California Mental Health Services Act, that recommends developing a comprehensive ten-year strategic plan to guide MHSA activities that reduce stigma and discrimination. In May 2008, the MHSOAC voted for the California Department of Mental Health (DMH) to reconvene and expand the original committee and develop a strategic plan on reducing mental health stigma and discrimination. DMH modeled this effort after the success of its Suicide Prevention Plan Advisory Committee, which issued the groundbreaking “California Strategic Plan on Suicide Prevention.”  Read our Background Information document for additional details.

MEMBERS

STAFF CONTACT

Cielo Avalos, Health Education Consultant
Email: Cielo.Avalos@dmh.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 651-5769