National Evaluation of the Elimination of Barriers to Treatment/Anti-Discrimination/Stigma Initiative (EBI)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) launched the Elimination of Barriers Initiative (EBI) to identify effective approaches for addressing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. The 1999 Surgeon General's report on mental health declared that "stigma surrounding the receipt of mental health treatment is among the many barriers that discourage people from seeking care." Stigmatization and discrimination contribute to the economic poverty and social isolation of many consumers. Such attitudes have a substantial impact on everything from mental health care penetration rates to support for public mental health services. In keeping with the President's New Freedom Initiative to promote the community integration of persons with mental disabilities, CMHS developed the EBI to work with States and other stakeholders to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. The EBI was a three-year demonstration designed to test models and public education materials—including radio, television, and print public service announcements (PSAs)—in eight pilot States around the country, including California, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. JBA conducted a process evaluation of the EBI effort, tracking product distribution and technical assistance requested from each state's mental health authority for EBI-related assistance as well as the TA offered by EBI coordinators. In addition, in-person interviews were conducted with state mental health representatives, as well as other mental health stakeholders, in each of the pilot states. JBA prepared qualitative case studies for each of the states and created a synthesis report that identified promising EBI education and communication strategies and materials that contribute to decreases in discrimination and stigma associated with mental illness.