Entertainment Industries Council Brings Together Creative Community, News Media and Mental Health Stakeholders in Statewide Education and Outreach Program
Homeland California News Press Release
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 03, 2012
The Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) is leading a team of communications and community outreach professionals who will bring together the creative community, news media, and mental health stakeholders throughout California in an innovative three-year program that will shift public attitudes to end discrimination against people with mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges and encourage individuals to seek mental health services before problems become crises.
The voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63) funds the program administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) as part of nearly $ 130 million in Prevention and Early Intervention Statewide Initiatives intended to reduce stigma and discrimination, prevent suicides, and improve student mental health.
The Entertainment Industries Council and its team will have a significant impact on the mental health of California residents now and for generations to come, said CalMHSA board president Wayne Clark, PhD. The effect of this and other California Mental Health Services Authority programs could mean up to a 50% reduction in health consequences over the next 10 to 20 years.
We know through our past work that the creative community has demonstrated an ability to help change attitudes about people who experience mental health challenges and encourage them to overcome the barriers they face every day that keep them from seeking help, said Brian Dyak, President, CEO and Co-founder of EIC. Were excited to bring the industry together with news media and mental health stakeholders for targeted programs in the diverse communities of California that can really reach people and make a difference in their lives.
An important part of the program provides writers and producers of movies, television, and other entertainment with the information they might need to create accurate portrayals of characters with mental health issues that can help to minimize misconceptions and stereotypes.
EIC will also work with both news media and mental health stakeholders to encourage news stories that help separate myths from facts about mental healthand provide positive stories of people seeking help.
In addition to targeted programs in three urban areas in the state, EIC will initiate outreach efforts in rural, minority, and other diverse communities.
The firms joining EIC on the programdesigned to leverage an up-front investment that will pay off with sustained cost reductions over many years in health, social services, education, and criminal justice programsinclude: