• Data Collection and Reporting-CMHS collects and reports national statistical information on mental health services and consumers for use by other Federal agencies, legislators, State mental health agencies, national mental health organizations, researchers, academic leaders, and national media.

• Protection and Advocacy-Congress established the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) program to protect the rights of people with mental illnesses, who are vulnerable to abuse and serious injury and are subject to neglect. During fiscal year 1995, the 56 P&A systems served almost 17,000 clients to address more than 25,000 complaints about abuse, neglect, and rights violations. PAIMI represented nearly 122,000 people in class action suits, acted on behalf of 332 groups representing nearly 526,000 people and responded to 44,219 requests for information. It conducted education and training for 320,555 mental health administrators, legislators, P&A staff, mental health consumers, their families, and mental health organizations.

• HIV/AIDS Mental Health Care-As many as 1.5 million people in the United States are infected with HIV, and more than 300,000 have been diagnosed with AIDS. CMHS is developing programs to provide mental health services for these individuals, their families, and others who may experience severe psychological distress as a result of their diagnosis, and to identify models of effective mental health services for people with HIV/AIDS. CMHS trains mental health providers to identify and treat people with mental illnesses who may be at increased risk for HIV/AIDS. CMHS trains primary health care and support services providers to recognize, refer, and treat people with emotional trauma, depression, anxiety, severe mental disorders, and dementia associated with HIV/AIDS.

• Stigma-Although some progress has been made to counteract the myths, misperceptions, and stereotypes surrounding mental illness, stigma still prevents many people from seeking treatment and causes countless others to keep their conditions secret for fear of losing their jobs, health insurance, or homes.

• Mental Health Information and Education-Information on many aspects of mental health and mental illnesses is gathered and disseminated to the many constituencies interested in these subjects. CMHS informs and motivates the public through its Knowledge Exchange Network, health communication materials, special events, and presentations. Center- supported consumer advocacy programs and technical assistance centers encourage self-help efforts nationwide.
  
  5/2/96

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