MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS ADVOCATED AT STATE CAPITAL

More than 1,000 consumers and providers of mental health services, including 200 from Southeast Missouri, met at Jefferson City Wednesday for the fourth annual Mental Illness Awareness Day.

Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan spoke to the advocates during a rally, discussing a concern for mental health issues and how to acquaint the general public with these issues.

Among issues Carnahan addressed are crisis services, housing, vocational services, children's services and transportation for people with mental illness.

The consumers and providers of mental health services also visited with legislators.

Mental Illness Awareness Day was sponsored by the Missouri Mental Health Consumer Network the Missouri Council of Mental Health Association, Missouri Coalition of Alliances for the Mentally Ill, Missouri State Coalition of Community Mental Health Centers, and the Missouri Advisory Council for Comprehensive Psychiatric Services.