Community Network Services and The CNS Anti-Stigma Program

Community Network Services, Inc.(CNS) is a private, non-profit, human services agency that provides comprehensive mental health and social services to adults in Oakland County, Michigan. Currently, it has 220 professionals, paraprofessionals and support staff working together to serve more than 3,200 consumers. For more about Community Network Services click here

The CNS Anti-Stigma Program began in 2005, and has since provided mental health sensitivity and awareness education to over 10,000 people in the State of Michigan.

The program has been vital to decreasing stigma in our local communities by bringing to light the real life stories, struggles, and triumphs of those who have been affected by mental illness. Since its inception, the CNS Anti-Stigma program has received numerous local and national awards for their exemplary work and dedication to eradicating stigma.

Awards and Recognition

• Lilly Reintegration Award for Advocacy, 2006
• Michigan Department of Community Health Director’s Award for Rights and Innovation, 2007
• Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority Stigma Buster Award, 2007
• SAMSHA Voice Awards, Honorable Mention for Documentary Film, 2008
• Oakland County Alliance for the Mentally Ill – Michael Curtis Award – for improving the lives of persons with a mental illness -2008
• Mental Illness Research Association – Milestone Award 2008

Testimonials for the CNS Anti-Stigma Program

“This program has been a great success in Oakland County. Reducing the stigma associated with mental illness is an important goal that they are working hard to accomplish.”
Jim Nash, Oakland County Commissioner

“My students indicated that this presentation made them realize that mental illness is not a life sentence of failure and shattered dreams.”
Michael B. Johnson, M.A, Teacher

“With quality presentations such as yours, we continue to increase our conference attendance every year.”
Chris Ward, Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards

“Had there been a program like this during my daughter’s struggles, she may be alive today. People need to know it is OK to get help.”
Anonymous, mother of a victim of suicide

Contacting the CNS Anti-Stigma Program

The CNS Anti-Stigma program is available to do mental health sensitivity and awareness training for your organization or group. The workshops and trainings range from 30 minutes to 2 hours and a variety of programs are offered:

Stomp Out Stigma – covering the definition of stigma, facts about mental health, myths and stereotypes about mental illness, and perspectives on recovery.

Mental Health Advocacy – engaging people who have experience with a mental health issue to learn about the history of advocacy and to contact their elected officials

Your Recovery Journey – incorporating poetry and an interactive workshop to highlight essential elements in a person’s recovery process

The CNS Anti-Stigma program will tailor a presentation to your audience needs. Please contact us for more information on how to schedule a presentation for your organization or event.