ATSU observes Mental Illness Awareness Week

Arts, crafts sale, clothing drive set for October 5-9

MESA, Ariz. (Oct. 2, 2009) – Students in A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Occupational Therapy program will observe Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) by holding an arts and crafts sale and clothing drive on the ATSU campus in Mesa, Ariz., on October 5-9. Proceeds will benefit the Arizona State Hospital, which provides treatment and rehabilitative services to the state’s mentally ill.

The arts and crafts for sale were created by patients during treatment at the Arizona State Hospital, and include everything from wind chimes to seasonal and holiday décor. The gently used clothing collected during the drive will be used in a hospital program that teaches patients vocational and business skills in a retail-like setting and allows patients to purchase necessary items using tokens earned during their stay.

“The students have really taken the lead to reach out to the hospital to make a difference,” said ATSU Assistant Director of Counseling Services Art Matthews. “They are truly inspiring young professionals who epitomize our mission by demonstrating compassion, integrity, and ability.”

“We hope the money raised and donated items will help patients to maintain their dignity and feel hopeful and prepared for their new lives back in their communities,” Matthews added.

About 60 million Americans experience mental or behavioral health problems in any given year. One in 17 lives with the most serious conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. MIAW, which has been held during the first week in October since its inception in 1990, was designated by Congress to promote public education about serious mental illness.

“Treatment works if you can get it,” said Matthews. “We need to remove stigma and promote the help that is available on campuses and in local communities, because no one is immune from mental illness. It doesn’t discriminate.”