Olympia -- Washington's Mental Health Transformation Project and the University of Washington School of Social Work announced today the launch of two new information resources to help Washington State media report on mental health and mental illness. The resources include a new Web site (www.mentalhealthreporting.org) and a newly published Media Guide to Reporting on Mental Illness.

"We'd like news organizations and the entertainment industry to understand the important role they play in shaping public opinions about people living with mental illness," says Jennifer Stuber, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work who conducted the study. She focuses her research on the social detriments of health and mental health, and proposed strategies to address the root causes of stigma and prejudice.

The new Guide and Web site were created after a content analysis of 856 news stories over a 10- year  period showed that news stories often use derogatory terms and negative stereotypes to describe people living with mental illness.

According to Stuber, inaccurate portrayals of mental illness in the news influence public attitudes and lead to negative consequences for people with mental illness, including discrimination in employment or in finding a home.

The new resources contain tips for journalists, helping them address a wider range of stories on mental health and how to avoid the use of stereotypical language.

That will lead to improvements in the public's understanding of mental illness in Washington State.

Editor's Note: Washington's Mental Health Transformation Project operates out of the Office of the Governor and receives grant support from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMSHA). Washington is one of nine states to receive a SAMSHA transformation grant. One of the key goals of the statewide effort, led by Gov. Chris Gregoire, is to engage consumers, family members and partners in a deep transformation effort to improve the state's mental health services and delivery system, ultimately serving as a model for the nation. For an on-line copy of the Media Guide and the original study, go to www.mentalhealthreporting.org or ask the above contacts.