Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.
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Community Connections, Spring 2002

Franklin County has two CMHP teams that are working in different ways to combat discrimination toward people with mental illness.
Franklin Team One works to get an anti-discrimination message into the general public. Their main goal is to promote a true understanding that people with mental health issues are not different. They have spread this message through press releases, monthly community workshops, a web site, and a newsletter.
The team has reached over 600 people through their newsletter and informational groups. Through reaching this many people, they have helped people to become more aware of stigma, and to look at their own attitudes about mental illness.
Franklin Team Two saw a need in their community for more transportation options for mental health recipients.
So, they are recruiting volunteer drivers to help people get to appointments and other commitments. So far, they have recruited three new drivers, and have provided more than 669 transports, for 95 individuals.
Goals for the coming year are to recruit one more driver, advocate for more funding for non-profits, and to expand their transportation services.
For more information on Franklin Team #1, contact Bonnie Sue Newell at (518)891-0504
For more information on Franklin Team #2, contact Doreen Abrahamsen at (518) 891-0504

posted 4/9/02