[YSPNetwork] FW: VA Launches Anti-Stigma Campaign

[NOONAN Donna]

YSPNetworkers,
A new online campaign for veterans:

From: American Association of Suicidology [mailto:SUICIDOLOGY at LISTS.APA.ORG] On Behalf Of Litts, David
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 7:38 AM
To: SUICIDOLOGY at LISTS.APA.ORG
Subject: [SUICIDOLOGY] VA Launches Anti-Stigma Campaign

Colleagues:
Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched Make the Connection-a national public awareness campaign based on powerful personal video testimonials-true stories of Veterans who faced mental health issues; reached out for support; and found ways to overcome their challenges. Watch hundreds of Veteran videos and learn more at www.MakeTheConnection.net/stories-of-connection<http://maketheconnection.net/stories-of-connection>.
This is an example of a "contact" approach to reducing stigma that was developed after extensive audience research.  The campaign seeks to make it easy for Veterans to "make the connection" between what they are experiencing and the kinds of resources and services that can help them get on a better track. It does this by providing information, but much more importantly, it allows Veterans to "contact" others who have made "the Connection," sought services/treatment, and found an improved quality of life. It avoids language about diagnoses, illness, and treatment in so that a Veteran does not have to label him/herself as being sick in order to get on a path toward improved function and wellness. Discussion of symptoms and illness are on the website, but are not the first (or even second) things site visitors will find.

Take a look. It's not perfect, but an excellent step in a very good direction.

Cheers, David


David A. Litts, O.D.
Director, Science and Policy
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
dlitts at edc.org<mailto:dlitts at edc.org>
202-572-3730



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