Georgia Tech's ADAPTS-Disability Services Program for Students welcomes Rebecca Palpant to speak on "Combating the Stigma of Mental Illnesses: Unique Approaches Through Public Policy and the Media."

Description:
Mental illnesses constitute some of the most serious, unrecognized, and underreported health problems in the United States. Most people are unaware of the scope of mental illnesses in the United States: An estimated 26 percent of Americans have a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. This program’s goals are to increase accurate reporting on mental health issues and decrease incorrect, stereotypical information. Unique approaches to combating these stereotypes will be discussed including the Carter Center Mental Health Program’s primary anti-stigma initiative The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. In addition, public policy will be highlighted as a way in which to support reform and improvement in the field.

Presenter:
Rebecca Palpant is the senior program associate for The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism at The Carter Center Mental Health Program in Atlanta, Georgia.