White House Conference on Mental Health - June 3, 2013

White House Conference on Mental Health - June 3, 2013

White House Conference on Mental Health—June 3, 2013

Conference will be live-streamed at whitehouse.gov/live on June 3, 2013, from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Eastern Time.

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On June 3, 2013, President Obama and Vice President Biden are hosting a National Conference on Mental Health. While millions of Americans live with and recover from mental health problems, those who need help are too often afraid to seek it because of the shame and secrecy associated with mental illness. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education have worked with the White House to bring together people from across the country, including mental health advocates, educators, health care providers, faith leaders, and individuals who have lived with mental health problems. These individuals will discuss how we can all work together to reduce negative attitudes and misperceptions about mental illness and help the millions of Americans living with mental health problems recognize the importance of reaching out for assistance.

SAMHSA is answering the President's call to launch a national conversation that will increase the understanding and awareness about mental health by working with a number of partnering organizations to broaden the conversation and help more people talk about mental health issues. SAMHSA will also release a Toolkit for Community Conversations About Mental Health to support communities interested in holding these important conversations using consistent information and approaches.

Thank you for your continued work to help SAMHSA increase awareness of mental health issues, promote mental and emotional health, support recovery, and identify new and existing local strategies to reduce negative attitudes and help individuals in need access treatment.

• Join the live-streamed National Conference on Mental Health, beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m., ET, with President Obama's opening remarks. Today's conference will end at approximately 2:45 p.m. with a closing statement from Vice President Biden.
• You can also join the conversation on Twitter using #MentalHealthMatters.

You can find nearby treatment through SAMHSA's Treatment Referral line at 1-800-662-4357 (HELP). This toll-free service (in English and Spanish) provides round-the-clock information confidentially on where to go for help on prevention, treatment, and recovery issues related to mental illness or substance use disorders. Similarly, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) provides free, confidential, immediate, round-the-clock assistance to people in crisis. Both lines are open to all Americans—including service members, veterans, and their families—365 days a year.