The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont) will be joining other mental health organizations and supporters from all across the state to stand up for the issues that are important to us on February 11th from 7:30-11:30 a.m. at the State House. We are asking the legislators to take action, pass legislation and support individuals living with mental illness and their families during this legislative session. We especially want to make sure that adequate funding is available for mental health services. No one is more effective at delivering this message to the legislature than individuals and families with lived experience.
Mental Health Advocacy Day offers the unique opportunity to educate lawmakers and to ask for action on state legislation. We are asking participants to write or call their local legislator and ask them to meet in the cafeteria for coffee and bagels early in the morning. Anyone in the community is welcome to attend and participate.
“This is the opportunity to amplify our voice to make mental health a priority in Vermont!” said Laurie Emerson, Acting Executive Director of NAMI Vermont. “In Vermont approximately 23,000 adults and 6,000 youth and teenagers face serious mental illness. Most people living with mental illness can lead fulfilling, productive lives, but only if they have access to treatment. We need to protect and strengthen mental health services and programs. Vermont needs to invest in proven, cost-effective, community-based treatment and services that promote recovery. This is where your voice, joined with other mental health organizations, peers, advocates, and families will improve public discourse about these difficult issues.”
Mental Health Advocacy Day is being co-sponsored by: National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont) ~ Vermont Department of Mental Health ~ Alyssum ~ Another Way ~ Burlington Police Department ~ Pathways Vermont – The Wellness Co-op ~ SNHU Graduate Programs in Community Mental Health and Mental Health Counseling ~ Supported Employment ~ Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition ~ Vermont Association for Mental Health Addiction and Recovery ~ Vermont Care Partners ~ Vermont Center for Independent Living ~ Vermont Cooperative for Practice Improvement and Innovation ~ Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services ~ Vermont Family Network ~ Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health ~ Vermont Psychiatric Survivors ~ Vermont Psychological Association ~ Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition ~ Vermont Vet-to-Vet ~ Wellness Workforce Coalition
For more information visit: www.namivt.org/advocacy or call 800-639-6480 x101.
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NAMI Vermont is the independent Vermont chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a statewide non-profit, grassroots, volunteer organization comprised of family members, friends, and individuals affected by mental illness. Our mission is to provide education, support and advocacy to individuals and family members living with serious mental illness.
