TO
MEMBERS AND COLLEAGUES OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND WORLD HEALTH
ORGANIZATION, AND ORGANIZATIONS WORKING IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION
GREETINGS:
One of
the major goals of both the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and the
World Health Organization (WHO) is the promotion of Mental Health. WFMH and
WHO have fostered and encouraged the development of promotion activities throughout
the world for many years, and are aware that much good work is being done in
this field. Now, WFMH and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence/WHO
have joined hands in a collaborative project to collect and compile a sample
of mental health promotion programs, initiatives and strategies into a document
that others can use in their own communities and countries. Through this
letter, WFMH and WHO invite you to submit case studies describing one or more
Mental Health Promotion programs, initiatives or strategies that your organization
has implemented in your community, state, province, country or across countries
.
This
joint WFMH/WHO project will collect illustrative experiences from countries
on mental health promotion. It will also seek to identify future mental health
promotion goals, strategies and activities of governmental and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) and the steps that are being proposed for attaining these
goals.
Those programs
and activities selected from submissions in response to this invitation will
be compiled in a publication on Mental Health Promotion: Case Studies
from Countries . The project may also lead to other publications
that can help in advocacy to governments and international organizations for
increasing investments in mental health promotion activities. Selected examples
will also be posted on the WFMH and WHO websites.
The
World Federation for Mental Health and the Department of Mental Health and Substance
Dependence/World Health Organization invite non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
and governmental agencies working in various countries to submit case studies
on recently concluded (after the year 2000) mental health promotion programs
conducted at the national, regional or local level . Programs dealing with
more than one country can also be described. Case studies of work done in developing
countries are especially welcome .
Case
studies must be submitted using the format described on the enclosed format
instructions sheet. Submissions that do not conform to the instructions cannot
be considered for selection in the final compilation and publication .
Please be aware of the submission deadline noted on the format instruction sheet.
A review panel of WFMH and WHO members will make selection of case studies for
inclusion in the publication. Submission of case studies for consideration does
not guarantee selection for inclusion in the publication.
The World
Federation for Mental Health and the Department of Mental Health and Substance
Dependence/World Health Organization are excited about this collaborative project,
and the promise it holds for advancing understanding of the progress being made
in efforts to promote positive mental health practices throughout the world.
We are also pleased to have the opportunity to recognize those governmental
and non-governmental organizations that are leading the way in developing and
implementing effective culturally-sensitive mental health promotion strategies
that address the needs of individuals, families, communities and nations around
the world.
In addition
to the publication of selected case studies, WHO and WFMH will select one case
study from each region to receive special recognition as examples that best
reflect innovation and progress in the field of mental health promotion. These
programs will be presented a special commendation at the Third World Mental
Health Promotion & Prevention Conference to be held in Auckland, New Zealand
in September 2004.
We sincerely
encourage your participation in this important project, and we look forward
to receiving the submission of your case studies.
With kind
regards and sincere appreciation for the important work you are doing to enhance
the mental health of your countrys citizens,
Sincerely,
L Patt
Franciosi, PhD
Benedetto Saraceno, MD
President,
Director, Department of Mental
Board of
Directors
Health
and Substance Dependence
World Federation
for Mental Health
World Health Organization
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