• Advocacy

    Take action. Get involved. Become an Advocate for Mental Health.

  • TAKE ACTION

    An Advocate is One Who Aims to Influence Decisions

    Within Political, Economic, and Social Systems and Institutions.

    broken image

    People experiencing mental health or suicidal crises need easier access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which is currently 1-800-273-8255. The bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S.2661) would help ensure access to an easy-to-remember, three-digit line (9-8-8) directly to trained counselors. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted to designate 9-8-8 as the universal three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 2022. We need your support! Join us in urging Congress to pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S.2661). Sign NAMI's letter to Congress today!

  • Mental Health Advocacy

    A Word from Community Advocates & Policymakers on California's Mental Health System

    Failing: California's Mental Health System Leaves Many Behind

    Posted by CalMatters

    As more Americans seek mental health treatment, the healthcare system and lawmakers can’t keep up. In California, the largest mental institution in the state is the Los Angeles County Jail. For many Californians battling a severe mental illness, the road towards long-term care begins with a stop behind bars. Here’s a look at how the mental health system is failing some of the most vulnerable Californians.

    broken image

    Californians aren't getting the mental health care they're legally guaranteed. Why not?

    Article by Jocelyn Wiener on CalMatters

    Panel: Hope on the Horizon? Reimagining Mental Health in California

    Posted by CalMatters

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom has cast himself as a champion for mental health. The state's current mental healthcare system has fallen short, he says, not for lack of funding, but for lack of leadership, strategic vision and political will. Many advocates and leaders are now expressing hope that significant improvements might be made to fix the state's "broken" mental health system.

    broken image

    All too often, California's default mental institutions are now jails and prisons.

    Article by Jocelyn Wiener on CalMatters

  • Directory

    Learn More About Mental Health Legislation & Policy, Resources, and Ways to Become an Advocate

    LEGISLATION & POLICY

     

    Disability Rights California (DRC)

    DRC is a nonprofit legal services organization founded in 1978 that advocates, educates, investigates and litigates to advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, and choices for all people with disabilities.

    www.disabilityrightsca.org/legislation

     

    NAMI California Advocacy

    They fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care. Raising awareness on your own, as part of a small group or part of your community can make a difference.

    www.namicaadvocacy.org/legislation

    RESOURCES

     

    NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
    The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to educating, advocating, supporting, and building better lives for the millions of individuals & families affected by mental illness.
    www.nami.org

     

    NAMI California

    A grassroots organization of families and individuals whose lives have been affected by serious mental illness. They advocate for lives of quality & respect, without discrimination & stigma, for all our constituents and provide leadership in advocacy, legislation, policy development, education and support throughout CA. Locate your local NAMI affiliate here.

    https://namica.org

     

    Disability Rights California (DRC)
    Advocates, educates, investigates, and litigates to advance and protect the rights of Californians with disabilities.
    www.disabilityrightsca.org

     

    Self-Advocacy Publications
    Materials on this page help you understand your rights so you can advocate for yourself or another person.
    https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/publications

     

    CalMatters
    Sacramento-based, nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.

    https://calmatters.org

    HOW TO GET INVOLVED

     

    Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health 

    An initiative encouraging people across America to use their voice in support of mental health. Be Vocal aims to empower adults living with mental health conditions to speak up when talking with their professional support team and to speak up as a community to advance mental health in America.
    https://www.bevocalspeakup.com/how-to-be-vocal.html

     

    Become a NAMI Member

    NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to educating, advocating, supporting, and building better lives for the millions of individuals & families affected by mental illness.
    www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Join

Cookie Use
We use cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience. By continuing we assume you accept the use of cookies.
Learn More