OLYMPIA -- A new video that explores the importance of having a job and earning a living for individuals with serious mental illness will be aired seven times in May on the University of Washington Television network.

The "I Want To Be" video, with an introduction by Gov. Christine Gregoire, stresses the role of employment and the value of supportive employers in the recovery process. It also underscores the commitment of Washington state to become a leader in supporting the employment of individuals with mental illness.

The film will be shown on UWTV on:

• Tuesday, May 6, at 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 9, at 9 a.m.
• Sunday, May 11, at 10 a.m.
• Monday, May 12, at 5:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 13, at 11:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 15, at 11:30 a.m.
• Friday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m.

UWTV is carried by many cable systems around the state including King County, Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Grays Harbor County, Yakima, Tri-Cities, and Wenatchee as well as the national DishNetwork satellite system.

"Our hope is that 'I Want to Be' will inspire those who are living with a mental illness to know they can succeed," said Richard Kellogg, director of the Division of Mental Health in the Health and Recovery Services Administration of the Department of Social and Health Services. "It also helps all of us see what should be obvious – having a job and making a living are pretty basic building blocks for anyone's life."

The film centers on several individuals with mental illnesses whose lives have been transformed by employment and who are contributing to Washington's economy.

"This video also will help employers to realize that with minor accommodations and the right support, individuals with mental illnesses can become valuable employees," Kellogg added. "And it shows how professionals who work with people striving under these circumstances can help them achieve a better life."

The video was developed as part of the division's "Systems Transformation Initiative" – an effort to look at overall system changes that can help people with mental illness achieve true recovery, not just maintain themselves at status quo.

The project was also a partnership with the Western Washington Institute on Mental Health Research and Training, the University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center, and the film's production company, Hero Labs. Funding was provided under a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

A streaming video and podcast is available on line any time at:

http://www.uwtv.org/programs/displayevent.aspx?rID=24501

Copies of the video on DVD are also available on request at the Mental Health Division by e-mail to JOSEF@dshs.wa.gov

FEATURE EDITORS, ASSIGNMENT EDITORS: To set up an interview with people featured in the video or its sponsors, please contact Jim Stevenson by e-mail at stevejh2@dshs.wa.gov.

FOR ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND, CONTACT:  Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-902-7604 (Pager: 360-971-4067).