Join the Effort to Rethink Mental Health

October 2, 2009

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Did you know that serious mental illness is a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet only a small fraction of people who need treatment have access to care in their communities? Many more are subject to neglect and abuse of their human and civil rights.

For far too long, mental illness has been stigmatized and those stigmas have served as a barrier to innovation. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's "Rethinking Mental Health" competition offers an opportunity for new ideas outside the traditional structures to emerge.

To participate, please go to changemakers:

Comment on entries from others like you who are deeply concerned about this very important issue and want to get involved.
Enter the competition and share your own idea for improving mental health.
Nominate an inspired idea or project.

Entries and comments can be submitted until October 14th. A panel of judges will then select 10 ideas that Changemakers community will vote on to select the top three winners. Winners will be announced on December 16 and each receive a prize of USD $5,000. As important as the three winners, however, is the dialogue that occurs about mental health and that as many great minds as possible come to the table with fresh thinking and new solutions. For more information, visit changemakers.

* Note that you will have to create an account on the Changemakers website, but it is free to do so and only takes a minute of your time.

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