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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Sharon Jenkins Tucker

Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network

404-421-5683

Lei Ellingson

CarterMental Health Program

404-420-5165

ATLANTA…In recognition of National Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 9-13) and World Mental Health Day (October 10), a candlelight ceremony will be held Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum's outdoor circle of flags, 453 Freedom Pkwy., Atlanta. The event is open to the public.

This year's theme is "Rekindling the Flame," in recognition of state mental health initiatives including crisis intervention training, advanced directives for mental health care, recently passed suicide prevention legislation, the state's pending release of a peer support resource kit, and the initiation of the statewide Georgia crisis and access line (1-800-715-4225).

Atlanta radio personality Rhubarb Jones from station WYAY (Eagle 106.7) will serve as master of ceremonies. Mr. Jones, well-known in country music circles, is involved in numerous national and local charities. The keynote address will be given by Beth Filson, a certified peer specialist working in the Consumer Relations and Recovery section of the state's Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases. She will speak on the role of peer support in disaster mental health and trauma relief.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held inside the Carter Center's Cyprus Room.

The ceremony is sponsored by the Mental Health Services Coalition, which is committed to providing the best treatment for consumers of mental health services in the state of Georgia, and the inclusion of people with mental illnesses in the life of the community.

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Learn more about Rosalynn Carter's advocacy and about the Carter Center's Mental Health Program.