Vermont Launches Statewide Mental Illness Education Effort

In an effort to alert the public to the early warning signs of mental illness, the Vermont Psychiatric Association (VPA) has placed a series of eye-catching advertisements in newspapers throughout the state. The ads are part of a public education campaign that began in the 2000 holiday season and is still running strong.

“We had a desire to do something proactive with respect to mental health,” said David Fassler, M.D., VPA public affairs representative and chair of APA’s Council on Children, Adolescents, and Their Families.

“Much of our organizational focus is spent reacting to certain issues or problems, such as managed care or reimbursement, for instance,” he told Psychiatric News. So the VPA decided that it was the right time to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of mental illness, according to Fassler.

“The good news [about the campaign] is that we can help most people, both children and adults, who suffer from mental illnesses. Early recognition and intervention leads to more effective and successful treatment.”

The VPA chose the firm of Kehoe & Kehoe Design Associates of Burlington to help develop the print campaign on the basis of its commitment to the themes that were proposed in a “request for proposals” issued by the district branch.

One ad lists the symptoms associated with several different mental disorders in adults along with a message that “treatment is available, affordable, and effective.”

Another ad focuses on the symptoms of mental illness in children. The ads urge people who recognize symptoms in themselves or their children to ask their doctor for a referral to a “trained and qualified mental health professional.” Additionally, the VPA is now developing posters and note cards featuring the advertisement. The notecards can be sent to colleagues, the media, or someone in the legislature, suggested Fassler.

According to Fassler, response to the ads has been positive. There has been a great deal of interest in the campaign from other organizations.

Fassler looks forward not only to the continuation but also the expansion of the district branch’s educational project. Originally, the campaign was funded by the VPA, but as the project grows, additional sources will be tapped.

“We hope that other sources, such as professional and advocacy organizations, and donations can help us to further develop the program,” Fassler commented.

The campaign was coordinated with assistance from APA and the Vermont State Medical Society.

“The VPA voted to underwrite the entire initial campaign, including the cost of the design of the initial ads and the cost of advertising in newspapers throughout the state,” said Fassler. “It is our hope that we may be able to secure additional funds to continue and expand the campaign.” ▪