About the EBI
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Elimination of Barriers Initiative?
A: The Elimination of Barriers Initiative (EBI) is a 3-year initiative launched in September 2003 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] aimed at identifying effective public education approaches to counter the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses.
Q: What are the goals and objectives of the EBI?
A: The objectives of the EBI are to counter stigma and discrimination, reduce barriers to treatment, build public support around the idea of recovery, and emphasize the importance of having quality, community-based services accessible to people with mental illnesses.
Q: Why is the EBI fighting stigma?
A: Discrimination and stigma have created a social climate that makes it harder for people with mental illnesses to sustain employment, find a home, obtain health insurance, and access treatment.
Q: Is the EBI a national campaign?
A: The EBI is currently being piloted in eight geographically, racially, and culturally diverse States: California, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Q: Can new organizations join the EBI?
A: As a pilot program, the EBI is being launched in only eight States. At the end of the third year, pending an evaluation, SAMHSA will distribute evidence-based public education practices to States and communities nationwide.
Q: What are the roles of the pilot States?
A: The pilot States are to building relationships with key stakeholders and assist in the development of strategic marketing plans to be used at the State level. The States also disseminate EBI messages to the public, adapt EBI materials for use in their State and local public education efforts, and recruit and train a team of public speakers to give anti-stigma/anti-discrimination presentations throughout the States.
Q: Who works on the EBI team?
A: The EBI team consists of a group of communications, mental health, and evaluation experts that includes SAMHSA, the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Gallup Organization, Vanguard Communications, the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS Center), and James Bell Associates. But, this group also works directly with a diverse and valuable group of partners that includes consumers, family members, mental health organizations, and State agencies.
