PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

3. Mental Disability Advocacy
The program goal is the promotion of the human rights, inclusion and active participation in society of people with mental disabilities in Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union. Also the program encourages community participation in developing social policy and services towards mentally disabled people in the region. The program gives technical and financial support for initiatives in developing models of community based services for improving quality of life of mentally disabled people. Mongolia is joined in this program in 2002 and through grant competition selected potential organizations in reducing stigmatization of mental disabilities by increasing public awareness, preventing institutionalization and support to parents and families of mentally disabled people by developing community based rehabilitation programs. Selected organizations are: Mongolian Radio, Mongolian Mental Health Association and Opportunity Center. Also within the program serial TV programs are developing to increase public awareness towards mental disability.