[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING OHIO'S ``THINK OUTSIDE THE 
                           STIGMA CAMPAIGN''

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                         HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, mental health and substance abuse are an 
unfortunate reality in my home State of Ohio. Studies suggest that 
nearly 1 in 5 Ohioans experience some mental illness or emotional 
disturbance each year, while another 910,000 suffered from substance 
abuse problems in 2006. Given that these afflictions hurt not only 
those who suffer from them but their friends and family, these numbers 
are truly a grave challenge for my state.
  Perhaps the most difficult aspect of these illnesses to combat is the 
stigma of mental illness. A lack of understanding of these illnesses 
perpetrates deep into many of our communities, preventing those who 
need help the most from seeking it out of fear of losing their family 
and loved ones. As a result, 236,000 Ohioans failed to seek treatment 
for mental illness in 2006, and 695,000 opted not to seek support for 
alcohol use.
  In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I introduced a resolution 
commemorating the work of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the 
Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addition Services for its work in 
combating the negative stigma of mental illness. In October 2007, ODMH 
and ODADAS launched the ``Think Outside the Stigma'' campaign, which 
was designed to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness 
and substance abuse. This innovative campaign is an important 
initiative that will help encourage more Ohioans to seek the treatment 
they need.
  The battle against mental health disorders and drug and alcohol 
addiction will be a lengthy one. I am pleased that my home state is 
taking important steps to battle the stigma attached with these 
challenges.

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