On August 9, Wisconsin Public Television along with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Wisconsin held a screening of the documentary West 47th Street, which aired on WPT at 10 p.m. on August 19. Over 65 people attended the screening and then participated in a panel discussion on the film's merits and limitations. Though members of the audience had distinct and diverse reactions to the film, we all agreed that it is important to explore and learn more about mental health. This event was a collaboration with P.O.V., the acclaimed independent non-fiction film series on PBS. To further your understanding of mental health and to find mental health resources in your community, visit the following links.

www.namiwisconsin.org
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Wisconsin is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by mental illness throughout Wisconsin. Their website offers a comprehensive online directory of organizations around the state dealing with mental illness and related issues.

www.wimentalhealth.org
The website of the Wisconsin United for Mental Health, an ongoing effort by Wisconsin citizens to educate and increase awareness about mental illnesses as real and common diseases that are treatable, offers information on mental illnesses and links to help people become involved in mental health advocacy.

www.portalwisconsin.org/forum
West 47th Street is the PBS Program Club selection for the month of August. Log on to Portal Wisconsin to post comments on the film and read what other viewers have to say.

www.pbs.org/pov/pov2003/west47thstreet
The official website of West 47th Street offers a look into the making of the film, gives updates on the film#39;s subjects, and let#39;s viewer respond to the film in an interactive forum.

www.fountainhouse.org
Fountain House is the internationally renowned mental health clubhouse that is the setting of West 47th Street. It serves men and women in the New York City metropolitan area who suffer from serious, long-term mental illness

www.mhcdc.org/yaharahouse
Modeled after Fountain House, Yahara House is a clubhouse where its members, Dane County citizens who are recovering from a psychiatric disability, come to prepare for their return to a productive, fulfilling life in the community.

www.dhfs.state.wi.us/MH_BCMH/INDEX.HTM
The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Community Mental Health site offers a list of mental health resources throughout the state of Wisconsin.