October 2004 Highlights

Mental Illness Awareness Week - October 3-9, 2004
Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual national observance that a 1986 presidential proclamation created to recognize “the urgent need to educate the American public about mental illnesses and their treatments.” This year’s theme, “Unity Through Diversity,” continues to reflect that goal as contained in the vision of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health—to foster a mental health care system that reflects the rich diversity of our Nation and encourages real possibilities of reclaimed lives for all people with mental illness, in communities across the country.

National Depression Screening Day - October 7, 2004
National Depression Screening Day is observed each October along with Mental Illness Awareness Week. This national observance focuses attention on depression and other mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The goals of this observance are to educate the public and clinicians about the symptoms and effective treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, to offer individuals opportunities to be screened for these disorders, and to connect individuals in need of treatment with appropriate mental health care services.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2004
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an annual observance sponsored by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. During this month, national, State, and community-based domestic violence prevention and victim service organizations, corporations, health care providers, faith-based groups, public agencies, and other organizations will highlight activities that mark the observance with recognition ceremonies, memorial activities, public education campaigns, community outreach events, news conferences, and more.