Mental Health America of North Dakota

	National Institute of Mental Health

	Constituency Outreach and Education Program Through a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, science-based messages on mental health and mental illness can be offered by MHAND. Outreach programs and workshops targeted to reach special populations, such as rural populations, older adults, college-aged adults, children, youth and Native Americans are available.

	Campaign on America's Mental Health

	Our Challenge: * One in every five Americans experiences a mental disorder in any given year, but only one-third seek treatment. * Depression and anxiety disorders--the most prevalent mental illnesses--are each estimated to affect more than 19 million people every year. * According to the historic U.S. Surgeon General's report on mental health, major depressive disorders account for about 20-35% of all deaths by suicide. * Up to half of all patients seen every day by primary care providers suffer from a mental illness, most often depression. * Currently, clinical depression is one of America's most costly medical illnesses, resulting in economic losses due to absenteeism from work, lost productivity and direct treatment costs. * By 2020, the World Health Organization estimates that depression will be the second leading cause of premature death or disability worldwide. Campaign Highlights: * National program with 10-year track record helping Americans recognize mental illnesses, get needed treatment and resume productive, fulfilling lives * Millions educated and screened annually * Hundreds of millions of media impressions generated yearly * Nationally recognized resource center * 60 sites in major media markets Effective public outreach: * Targeted educational programs * Year-round and online mental health screenings * Promotion of mental health assessments as routine part of care * Advocacy to improve access to care * Follow-up information/referrals * Media outreach * Coalition building * Culturally sensitive materials * Sponsorship of national awareness days National Partnerships: The Campaign partners with a host of national organizations, both in and outside the health care field, to raise awareness about the detection and treatment of mental illnesses. Grassroots Outreach: The Campaign draws strength from local Mental Health Associations throughout the country who organize community-based coalitions and conduct educational, screening, media and advocacy activities for diverse audiences. Why Primary Care Outreach: The first point of entry for many patients with depression and anxiety disorders is the primary care setting. Therefore, primary care professionals are in a unique position to provide early detection and integrated care for persons with depression, anxiety disorders and co-occurring medical illnesses. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce patient discomfort, duration and severity of illness, and the costs associated with misdiagnosis. Unfortunately, these illnesses go undetected all too often. To address this problem, NMHA's Campaign for America's Mental Health has a strong outreach component designed to improve the detection and treatment of mental illnesses in primary care settings. Co-occurring Illnesses The risk of clinical depression and anxiety disorders is often higher in individuals with serious medical illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. However, the warning signs are frequently discounted by patients and family members, who mistakenly assume feeling depressed or anxious is normal for people struggling with serious health conditions. In addition, the symptoms are frequently masked by these other medical illnesses, resulting in treatment that addresses the symptoms but not the underlying mental illness. It is a myth that depression or an anxiety disorder is a "normal" emotional response to another illness; it's extremely important to simultaneously treat both medical illnesses. Treatment Both clinical depression and anxiety disorders can be effectively treated, with more than 80% of those who seek treatment showing improvement. The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of symptoms and the history of the illness. As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences. Depression and anxiety disorders must be treated by a physician or qualified mental health professional. The Campaign is underwritten by unrestricted educational grants from the following corporations: Founding Sponsor - Eli Lilly and Company Campaign Sponsors - Abbott Laboratories Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Pfizer Inc., and Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals. Updated 3/00

	Adolescent Suicide Prevention Project

	, ND has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the country: * Ranked #2 for 0-14 year olds * Ranked #6 for 15-19 year olds Many still believe the myth that suicide is not preventable. Certainly not all suicide can be prevented but, like traffic fatalities, we can significantly reduce the rate through comprehensive and organized efforts. In 1999 the Adolescent Suicide Prevention Task Force developed a plan focusing on the proven strategies of: o peer gatekeeper o screening efforts o mentoring o teen leadership training MHAND secured funding to implement the program. In 2000 and 2001, the project director has given 192 presentations to over 7000 participants, not including radio, television, and print media contacts. In 2002 the project proposes to systematize these prevention efforts in all regional and tribal areas of North Dakota.

	Kids On The Block

	The Mental Health America of North Dakota (MHAND), in partnership with Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) are offering performances of the educational puppet program, The Kids On The Block. The Kids On The Block is a troupe of nearly life-size puppets that dress and act like real children. Each puppet character has a distinct personality and life story. Like real children, some have differences such as mental physical, and emotional disabilities. Others have been affected by divorce, abuse, death, and pregnancy. The Kids On The Block program is powerful in helping break down inhibitions, enabling children to express their fears and concerns. The puppets also help children feel positive about themselves, accept individual differences, and learn valuable personal skills. Volunteers use the entertaining medium of puppetry to present educational prevention programs for children in grades K-6. The Kids On The Block's lively and upbeat scripts create an environment of open communication for the audience. During scheduled question and answer periods, myths and misconceptions are replaced with facts and sensitivity. Some of the program titles being offered are: ~ Bullies and School Safety ~ Children's Mental Health ~ Healthy Snacking ~ Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Prevention ~ Children of Divorce For more information about Kids On The Block, call: RSVP - 1-866-345-RSVP or visit our website at: http://rsvp.ndsu.nodak.edu or http://vista.ndsu.nodak.edu

	Mountainbrooke

	Mountainbrooke is a private, not-for-profit psychosocial rehabilitation center established in 1986 by the Mental Health Association in North Dakota. It provides psychosocial rehabilitation services for adults with a diagnosis of a mental illness. Services are provided in a safe, comfortable and diverse environment. At the center, staff and members work side by side to accomplish daily tasks. As members are depended upon and given real responsibilities, their self-confidence grows and work skills improve. The Center is located at 112 N. 3rd St. in Grand Forks, North Dakota. For more information, call Charlotte Gregerson, Director at 701-746-4530.

	Myrt Armstrong Center - Fargo

	The Myrt Armstrong Center, a psychosocial Rehabilitation center in Fargo, North Dakota, was founded to address the social and recreational needs of persons with serious and persistent mental illness. The primary goal of the center is to create a support system in the community outside of treatment centers that helps member: * Meet their basic needs. * Provide experiences that promote feelings of self-worth, self respect, and independence. * Improve the ability of members to function in the community. * Reduce the incidence of inpatient hospitalization resulting in a higher quality of life for people with a mental illness. The mission of the center is dedication to a just, humane and healthy environment where all people receive respect, dignity and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma. The center is located at 1419 1st Ave S in Fargo, ND. For more information, call Karen Braaten, Director at 701-293-7716.