Welcome to the Nexus of Ethics, Psychology, Morality, Philosophy and Health Care

Welcome to the nexus of ethics, psychology, morality, technology, health care, and philosophy
Showing posts with label Rosalynn Carter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rosalynn Carter. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

We're Blogging for Mental Health

Mental Health Blog Party Badge
"Informed journalists can have a significant impact on public understanding of mental health issues as they shape debate and trends with the words and pictures they convey. They influence their peers and stimulate discussion among the general public, and an informed public can reduce stigma and discrimination."
- Rosalynn Carter

We are participating in the American Psychological Association's program Blogging for Mental Health.  The overarching goal of this program is to help people recognize the importance of good mental health, overcome stigma, and seek out professional mental health services when needed. 

We decided to highlight an advocate of mental health issues and treatment services, who also has made significant efforts to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health.

Former First Lady
Rosalynn Carter

Rosalynn Carter has been a major advocate for mental health awareness and mental health services.  She supported mental health parity and collaborated with many others to help push this legislative initiative for years.  The Mental Health Parity law was enacted in October 2008.

"Blogging for Mental Health" seems to be a natural extension of Mrs. Carter's project to help raise awareness about mental health through journalism.  While blogging is not officially journalism, the blogosphere is a new medium in which to advocate, educate, heighten awareness, and reduce stigma about mental health issues and mental health treatment.  As psychologists, public education is an aspirational ethic.  Aspirational ethics exemplify the highest standards and best practices of our profession (and not a minimum requirement).

Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism provide money for journalists to promote mental health awareness.  The quote listed above summarizes her position on this program.  More specifically, the goals of Mrs. Carter's project include:
  •  Increase accurate reporting on mental health issues and decrease incorrect, stereotypical information
  • Help journalists produce high-quality work that reflects an understanding of mental health issues through exposure to well-established resources in the field
  • Develop a cadre of better-informed print and electronic journalists who will more accurately report information through newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film, and the Internet and influence their peers to do the same.
We thank and salute Mrs. Carter for her program, her advocacy, and her tireless efforts on behalf of those who suffer with mental health issues.  She demonstrates our aspirational ethic of educating the public on psychological issues and treatment.