CA ACR110

Designates the week of May 20-26, 2012, as California Mental Health No Stigma Week to increase awareness about stigma associated with mental illness.

Acknowledges that approximately 1,175,000 California adults and 422,000 children live with serious mental illness, while nearly two-thirds of people with diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment.

Identifies harmful effects of stigma including avoidance of treatment, family rejection, workplace discrimination, housing difficulties, violence, harassment, and inadequate insurance coverage.

Recognizes that public education campaigns can improve awareness of unmet mental health needs and reduce stigma and discrimination despite existing civil rights protections.