MENTAL HEALTH FLAG TOUR STOPS IN VERMONT
April 15, 2004

Beth Tanzman, DDMHS

Jerry Goessel, NAMI-VT

Linda Corey, VPS

Governor Jim Douglas	Governor Jim Douglas presents Mary Worthen with a certificate
Mary Worthen and Governor Jim Douglas	Mary Worthen and Jerry Goessel, NAMI-VT look on as Governor Jim Douglas signs the Mental Health Flag

Left to right: Linda Corey, VPS; Mary Worthen; Governor Jim Douglas; Jerry Goessel, NAMI-VT; Beth Tanzman, DDMHS; Clare Munat, NAMI-VT; David Anderson, AstraZeneca	Beth Tanzman, DDMHS, Jerry Goessel, NAMI-VT, Mary Worthen
Mary Worthen; Governor Jim Douglas; Jerry Goessel, David Anderson, AstraZeneca	Jerry Goessel, NAMI-VT,Mary Worthen; David Anderson, AstraZeneca

PHOTO RELEASE

GOVERNOR JIM DOUGLAS SIGNS MENTAL HEALTH FLAG
Governor Douglas joined the Division of Mental Health, Vermont Psychiatric Survivors, mental health advocates and host NAMI-Vermont at a special flag ceremony.

Montpelier, VT - Governor Jim Douglas signed a mental health flag on April 15 in an effort to bring awareness to the plight of the mentally ill, at a rally hosted by NAMI-Vermont. The flag was designed and hand-painted by Kristy Worthen; a young woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The flag seeks to draw attention to the need for improvement in the lives of people with mental illnesses through access to accurate information, resources and appropriate medications.

"I created my flag as a symbol of hope for all people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. It is my desire for the flag to focus attention on each state's mental health needs. I want to let others know there is hope and there is help for people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness," says Worthen.
The flag depicts the symbol of a beacon from a lighthouse and the inscription "Shedding Light on Mental Health Issues". Kristy and her mother Mary Worthen are touring the nation telling her story and promoting the flag as a means of illuminating the cause of persons with psychiatric disabilities. To date the flag has flown in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
"We are very pleased to have brought the Shedding Light flag tour to Vermont. It offers yet another opportunity for us to combat the terrible stigma that surrounds mental illness" stated Jerry Goessel, NAMI-Vermont Executive Director.
One in five Vermont families are affected by mental illness. To find out more about this common health disorder, contact the NAMI-Vermont office at (800) 639-6480.

Left to right: Linda Corey, VPS; Mary Worthen; Governor Jim Douglas; Jerry Goessel, NAMI-VT; Beth Tanzman, DDMHS; Clare Munat, NAMI-VT; David Anderson, AstraZeneca

Next Stop on the Flag Tour