MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY GETS BOOST

When Dallas Morehead introduces himself, he explains that he is president of the Missouri Mental Health Consumer Network and that he has a mental illness.

Then he waits for the reaction. But Morehead hopes for a day when the reaction doesn't come.

The network is launching an initiative that encourages those with a mental illness to serve as advocate for themselves and others with mental disorders.

In November, the network received a three-year, $59,998 federal grant to put together local advocacy chapters throughout the state. Southeast Missouri was targeted as the first area for development.

The grant money comes from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Missouri's award was one of 31 competitive grants awarded.

Groups are being formed in Cape Girardeau, Sikeston and Poplar Bluff.

"The whole idea of mental health advocacy is very young," Morehead said. "It's only about 10 years old. In Southeast Missouri, very little is taking place."

Mental illnesses often prompt misunderstandings, Morehead said.

"We are trying to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness," he said. "There's no difference in having a mental illness or having diabetes or heart disease.

"What we hope to do is train advocates -- consumers who can speak out for the needs of the mentally ill," he said.

Advocates would lobby legislators, hold educational programs and work with families.

In Cape Girardeau, Toni Amelunke is helping coordinate the local chapter, called Heartland Cares.

"It's also a learning experience for all of us," Amelunke said. "We see this as a recovery model. First we work on social skills and then on advocacy."

While the local chapters are designed primarily for individuals with a mental illness, students, family members, counselors and other professionals may join.

Also working in Southeast Missouri are Mary Crites and Claudia George, both of Ellsinore.

"Throughout the state, you will find instances of mentally ill individuals being abused mentally, physically, verbally," Crites said. "We hope to address this also."

Amelunke said: "There is also discrimination, especially when you go for a job. People are afraid. They don't understand."