Lt. Governor Lawton Announces Record-Setting Participation Already Confirmed for National Depression Screening Day Oct.11

Urges More Wisconsin Businesses and Organizations to Get Involved


 


MADISON – Lt. Governor Lawton today invited employers, organizations and individuals to take part in what is sure to be Wisconsin’s largest-ever observance of National Depression Screening Day on October 11, 2007.


 


In a Capitol press conference, Lawton said she is hosting a link to access a private, free depression screening on her website, www.ltgov.wisconsin.gov.  She announced that currently more than 600,000 individuals will be invited to take the online survey through their employer or organization on October 11th, and she urged other businesses and organizations to join this statewide effort to improve productivity and health and well-being.


 


“Nearly one million people suffer depression in Wisconsin today.  Too many people don’t know what to do, but it’s easy to find out,” Lt. Governor Lawton said.  “Depression affects everyone directly or indirectly, and it is a significant drag on our economy every day. 


 


“It is not too late to sign up.  Today I urge every Wisconsin business and organization to participate in the 2007 National Depression Screening Day October 11th.”


 


The screening – an online, 20-question survey – takes only a few minutes to complete, is completely anonymous, and can be done in the privacy of one’s own home.  After completion, immediate feedback is provided and, when indicated, a menu of services presented.


 


“Our workforce is Wisconsin’s competitive edge in this global economy, “Lawton said.  “To stay ahead, we need healthy and productive workers.  Depression is treatable, recovery is possible, and the savings will be tremendous.  The Wall Street Journal reported that depression’s annual toll on U.S. businesses in 2001 tallied over $90 billion in medical expenditures, lost workdays and decreased productivity.


 


“I applaud these businesses and organizations whose determination to improve their bottom line will also improve the lives of tens of thousands of families in Wisconsin.  And with their invitation to participate in depression screening, they contribute to eliminating the stigma that has too long attached to mental illness and become an obstacle to treatment.”


 


Lieutenant Governor Lawton was joined by representatives of major employers and organizations from Wisconsin. 


 


“The wellness of our workforce is crucial to the bottom line of small businesses,” said Bill G. Smith, State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business. “We want our employees to be healthy, happy, and productive, and early screening for depression is a common-sense way to ensure that will happen in the small business workplace.”


 


“This fits in perfectly with our Wellness Initiative,” said David McLean, human resources director at Madison-based Inacom. “Our employees’ well-being has to be a top priority for us to succeed.”


 


While National Depression Screening Day is observed on October 11th, the online screening is available to the public now and will continue to remain available at www.ltgov.wisconsin.gov.  Click on the “Mental Health” button on the right side of the screen.


 


Some of the Wisconsin businesses and organizations already signed up to participate include: National Federation of Independent Businesses, Sonic Foundry, Harley-Davidson, Gannett Newspapers, Manpower, Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Quarles and Brady, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, American Family Insurance, Wisconsin Education Association Council, Morgan Murphy Media, AARP, AFL-CIO, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, NAACP, Madison Gas and Electric, and Journal Communications, the UW and Wisconsin Technical College Systems.


 


Businesses and organizations interested in participating should contact Cecely Castillo at cecely.castillo@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-3516.