Changing Attitudes and Building Hope

Throughout Missouri’s comprehensive planning process, the issues of stigma and the lack of public awareness and health literacy related to mental health problems were consistent and pervasive themes. Each was seen as a major barrier to a person’s ability to access effective services and supports and be fully included in the social and economic opportunities of local communities. The Transformation Working Group (TWG) prioritized the following actions to address objectives specific to increasing mental health literacy; reducing stigma; and developing a culture of respect, dignity, and wellness throughout the mental health system.  Highlights are described below.

The status of these projects, as well as all projects of Missouri's Transformation Initiative, may be found in the latest update of Missouri's Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health.