The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will host a Community Leadership Breakfast Sept. 26 in Norman to celebrate 2008 National Recovery Month.

Norman community leaders will meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Griffin Memorial Hospital cafeteria. Breakfast events also are scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Sept. 16 at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid, and 7:30 a.m. Sept. 23 at Cameron University in Lawton.

The breakfasts will feature presentations by leading state and national behavioral health experts, highlighting the recovery stories of everyday Oklahomans who have overcome their illnesses and stand as examples to others seeking recovery.

By engaging community leaders in discussion about the reality of behavioral illnesses, ODMHSAS is seeking to stimulate community discussion and awareness in an effort to overcome myths and misunderstandings that can incorrectly shape community perceptions.

"Treatment for mental and addictive disorders is just as effective as treatment for other chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes," said Jeff Dismukes, director of public information for ODMHSAS. "Advances in treatment options have resulted in more and more individuals reclaiming full and productive lives. There is no reason today that anyone should suffer needlessly from untreated mental health or substance abuse issues.

"These issues must be addressed as priority public health concerns, yet mental and addictive disorders continue to be overlooked when we speak of public health or medical issues." One of the primary reasons for this oversight is the public discrimination associated with these illnesses, Dismukes said.

To address stigma and discrimination related to mental and addictive disorders, ODMHSAS is implementing the Community Champions Initiative, an education and awareness program targeting employees of community businesses and corporations, along with members of nonprofit and civic organizations. Community leaders who attend the breakfasts will learn how they can become actively involved in the effort to promote a healthier Oklahoma, he said.

The Community Champions Initiative seeks to help individuals and family members know where to turn when in need, and how to respond to potentially preventable health problems.

Dismukes said mental and addictive disorders affect 26 percent of all Oklahomans.

"Left untreated, these illnesses are among the most devastating and disabling of diseases. They impact the lives of individuals, families and communities as a whole. Yet, when afforded access to appropriate care, people do recover. The key, however, is linking individuals and their families to proper supports and services," he said.

The social and economic impacts of these illnesses are too great to ignore, Dismukes said.

"It's up to all of us to become educated about treatment and recovery in order to address these issues at the community level," he said.

Tom Blakey 366-3540 tblakey@normantranscript.com