The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), in an effort to promote the issuance of a U.S. commemorative stamp promoting Mental Health Awareness, has secured the support of more than a dozen national organizations representing mental health, substance abuse, patient advocacy, as well as a variety of health related organizations.
In 2002, AMHCA launched a nationwide petition drive in support of a new stamp promoting mental health and asked mental health professionals, consumers, and advocates to join together to emphasize the positive, progressive nature of recognizing and promoting mental health. Since then, more than 20,000 signatures have been gathered from across the nation, and the Association has launched a web petition (www.amhca.org) as a means to collect signatures.
The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), whose members are appointed by the U.S. Postmaster General, approves new commemorative postage stamps. Among the groups and individuals partnering with AMHCA in support of the effort are former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, American Psychiatric Association, Mental Health America, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, Wellstone Action, Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization, as well as U.S. Reps. Brian Baird (D-WA) and Robert Brady (D-PA).
AMHCA believes that cultivating mental health awareness would be a constant reminder of the benefits of recognizing and promoting mental health. "We are honored to be joined by sixteen national organizations and individuals in support of this effort and look forward to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee's approval of the stamp," said Gary Gintner, PhD, LPC, President of the American Mental Health Counselors Association."