Testimony About Discrimination And Mental Illness Sought - Wyoming Department Of Health

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Depression;  Schizophrenia
Article Date: 29 Nov 2008 - 0:00 PST

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To help raise awareness about discrimination against people with mental illness, the Wyoming Department of Health is inviting residents with relevant personal experience to participate in a December 3 public hearing in Cheyenne.

"We want people who have encountered discrimination because of mental illness to share their personal stories and describe the impact on themselves and their families," said Rodger McDaniel, Wyoming Department of Health deputy director for mental health and substance abuse services.

A "listening panel" with high-level representatives of various state agencies will participate and a formal record of the proceedings is planned.

"Consumers should know their testimony matters," McDaniel said. "In addition to increasing awareness of mental health-related discrimination, we expect to use the information we gather to develop a plan our department can use to help address the issue."

The meeting is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. in the Cottonwood Room of the Laramie County Library (2200 Pioneer Avenue) in Cheyenne.

The hearing is being cosponsored by the Wyoming Department of Health's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division, UPLIFT and the Wyoming Citizen Review Panel. For more information, contact Felicia Gutierrez at 307-777-3357.

Wyoming Department of Health