MEDIA ALERT – NAMI NATIONAL
Thank you to everyone who helped fight back against Halloween “haunted asylum” attractions and costumes.
There is not enough space to call out individual names, but I want to thank especially NAMI California, NAMI Connecticut, NAMI Florida, NAMI Massachusetts, NAMI Missouri, NAMI New Jersey, and NAMI Ohio and NAMI South Carolina for their help with the campaign. Nothing could have been achieved without grassroots action.
NAMI’s campaign began after NAMI Orange County in California succeeded in shutting down an attraction at Knott’s Berry Farm, which was reported in The Los Angeles Times. We then adopted a national strategy that focused on all stigmatizing Halloween attractions operated by the two largest chains of amusement parks in the country, Cedar Fair and Six Flags. We contacted the companies directly and slowly the parks began to change the names, modify or close attractions.
We launched a media blitz. Links to articles appear below (and in the attachment). We are expecting interviews with CEO Mary Giliberti to air on the CBS News and Fox News radio networks over the weekend, although we do not know specific days or times.
U, S. News & World Report
Article by NAMI CEO Mary Giliberti
(Unfortunately, we didn’t get to choose the headline).
Washington Post
The Post story, initiated by NAMI, first appeared online and then as the lead story on page 3 of the print edition—and was syndicated nationally. It also appeared as the cover story (attached) for the Washington Post Express tabloid which is distributed for free at every subway station and bus top in the D.C. metropolitan area.
New York Times
Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon, credited NAMI Orange County for having “sprang into action” when the Knott’s Berry Farm attraction first appeared.
Pete Earley Blog
Journalist and NAMI member Pete Earley is quoted in the Post story and helped publicize the campaign. He also rallied efforts against a “Razor Blade Suicide Scar Wound Latex Costume” make-up kit.
Regardless of how many attractions get closed or products are pulled, this kind of national media attention is invaluable for public education and helping to reduce stigma in popular culture. Headlines were supportive. Other companies paid attention. Many may remember and think twice during discussions in the future about using mental illness as a theme.
There is still a lot of work to be done to eliminate stigma, but for right now, NAMI has made a difference.
Have a Happy Halloween.
| Bob Carolla, J.D. Senior Writer; Media Relations Communications & Public Affairs  NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness 3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22203 Main: 703-524-7600 Direct: 703-516-7963 |