Ohio's new Think Outside the Stigma campaign and messaging was developed through a joint effort of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS), the Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH), and professionals and advocates from across the state. A Think Outside the Stigma toolkit is now available on the ODADAS website to assist advocates in their work to eliminate stigma at the local and state level. The core messages of the campaign are:
- Alcohol and other drug addictions and mental illnesses are brain diseases.
- Alcohol and other drug addictions and mental illnesses can affect anyone.
- Alcohol and other drug addictions and mental illnesses are treatable.
- Individuals with brain diseases should not be discriminated against.
The first annual
Think Outside the Stigma awards were presented to four
legislators for their efforts to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction to alcohol and other drugs. The awards were presented during a reception attended by legislators, treatment professionals, ADAMHS Board representatives, and people in long-term recovery and family members. The event was sponsored by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS).
During the reception ODADAS director, Angela Cornelius, unveiled Ohio's new Think Outside the Stigma campaign.
Following the reception, advocates made visits with their legislators to discuss concerns about ending discrimination against people with addiction disease and those in long-term recovery.
Dan Barksdale, OCA board president, and Donna Conley, OCA executive director, are shown below presenting the awards to the four legislative winners.
