The Wyoming Department of Health is encouraging interested community members to host local mental illness anti-discrimination public hearings around Wyoming.

"Local public hearings about this issue provide a venue for people with real-life experience to be heard," said Rodger McDaniel, Wyoming Department of Health deputy director for mental health and substance abuse services.

The department's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division is aiming to raise awareness about the impact of discrimination against people with mental illness on Wyoming individuals and families.

"Discrimination against people with mental illness, or stigma, is the most significant barrier affecting access to quality prevention, treatment and recovery services," McDaniel said. "When those affected tell their stories, it helps develop public understanding of how discrimination makes the mental health system far less effective than it could be."

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division is offering registration forms to community members interested in organizing a hearing event in their area. May, which is national mental health awareness month, is suggested as a good time to schedule a hearing.