Remarks as prepared; not a transcript.

RADM Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H
Acting Surgeon General
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Launch of "What a Difference a Friend Makes" PSA Campaign

Monday, December 04, 2006
 
National Press Club

"Launch of "What a Difference a Friend Makes" PSA Campaign"

Thank you, Kathryn, for that terrific introduction.

I want to thank Kathryn, Admiral Broderick, Rosemarie, and all the SAMHSA and CDC staff members who developed the public education campaign we're launching today.

Thank you for all the important work you're doing on behalf of Americans. Your dedication is wonderful, and you are making a positive difference every day.

I also want to thank Peggy Conlon and her team at the Ad Council. Once again, you have helped HHS develop a campaign that will improve the health and well-being of our nation.

Along with the incredibly talented folks at Grey Worldwide, the Ad Council has put its considerable creative energies to work to help young people understand an issue that isn't always easy to talk about, much less understand.

I am particularly pleased today to welcome Cara Anthieny and Michaela Peace Gregory.

There is no question that sharing a very personal experience in front of a room full of people… including the media… is difficult.

I appreciate Cara and Michaela's willingness to be here today, and I know that their story will encourage other young people to help a friend recover from mental illness.

"What a Difference a Friend Makes"
I'm so pleased to help launch this powerful new campaign. I love the name: "What a Difference a Friend Makes."

That should be the new motto for all Americans.

Our great nation has the best health care system in the world. Medical discovery is advancing at a rate unequaled in any previous era.

We have new medications that offer help and hope to people suffering from physical and mental illnesses.

But in the midst of all these important advances, many young Americans who suffer from mental illness don't have the support from family and friends that they need to recover and live happy, healthy, productive lives.

And sometimes our nation's youth feel that they can handle any problem on their own…..that with a little will power they can overcome any obstacle.

The reality is that sometimes the best medicine of all is the support and understanding of friends.

Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General
In 1999, the Office of the Surgeon General issued a groundbreaking Report on Mental Health.

Since then, the Department of Health and Human Services has applied much of the science in that Report to helping prevent and treat mental illness.

As we noted in the 1999 Report, considering health and illness as points along a continuum helps explain why neither health nor illness exists in pure isolation from the other.

Mental disorders are not the result of moral failings or limited will power, but are illnesses that are responsive to specific treatments.

With rare exceptions, people recover from mental illness, and can be productive members of society.

We need to help Americans understand that with professional help, and the care and understanding of friends, almost anyone can recover from mental illness.

Health Literacy
For the past three years, I've been working with colleagues throughout the nation to improve Americans' health literacy. By improving health literacy, we can save lives.

This year, we held the first-ever "Surgeon General's Workshop on Improving Health Literacy."

Health literacy is the ability of an individual to access, understand, and use health-related information and services to make appropriate health decisions.

The more people know about health, the better they take care of themselves, their friends, their families, and their communities.

This morning we're taking an incredible step forward in improving Americans' health literacy.

The campaign we're launching today - "What a Difference a Friend Makes" - focuses on a single, simple concept: To a friend with mental illness, your care and understanding greatly increases their chance of recovery.

Background of the Campaign
18.6% of young adults have been diagnosed with mental illness, but this age group is the least likely to ask for help.

The campaign we're launching today is designed to encourage, educate, and inspire 18- to 25-year-olds to step up and support friends when they're experiencing a mental health problem.

The campaign includes television, radio, outdoor, print, and interactive elements.