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SAVING YOUR STATE BUDGET

With the recession entering its second year and federal stimulus money already spent in many states, state budgets are facing massive cuts in many areas—including mental health.

Recovery is at risk for hundreds of thousands of children and adults living with mental illness.

NAMI has scheduled a special session for the 2010 National Convention to provide information about the prolonged revenue crisis facing the states and the impact on state hospitals and community mental health systems.

Session participants will learn what they can do to protect and enhance budgets for vital mental health services in the months ahead.

MEETING YOUR LAWMAKERS

One of the best things about having the NAMI National Convention in Washington, D.C., is the chance for NAMI advocates to travel to Capitol Hill and meet their lawmakers face to face.

Thursday morning of the convention will be devoted to meetings with our Congressional representatives in both the U.S. Senate and House.

NAMI's policy team staff will work with NAMI state leaders in each to set up the meetings and will brief convention attendees the night before the visits.

Don't miss this valuable opportunity to educate the lawmakers whose actions and decisions have a profound influence on our lives.

DUPONT CIRCLE / EMBASSY ROW

The convention's headquarters hotel—The Washington Hilton—is located in the heart of Dupont Circle, one of D.C.'s liveliest and most diverse communities.

The neighborhood is home to dozens of art galleries showcasing both up-and-coming young artists and established figures in the contemporary art scene, as well as the Phillips Collection, a museum offering an extraordinary art collection.

There are eateries galore in Dupont Circle, featuring food from Budapest to Buenos Aires and from extravagant menus to lunch-counter fare.

Take a stroll down Embassy Row—home to foreign embassies from all over the world and some of the most beautiful architecture and landscaping in the country.

CONVENTION ON A BUDGET

Traveling to the convention on a tight budget? Follow these tips to save money:

REGISTER EARLY: Super Saver rates—which expire on March 17th—save you 20 percent off last minute registration fees.

BOOK EARLY for the cheapest airline tickets. Check out NAMI's special discount on United Airlines.

RIDE METRO: D.C.'s Metrorail will take you from Reagan National Airport to the Washington Hilton and save you $30 on cab fare.

CONSIDER ALTERNATE HOTEL: NAMI is arranging a room block at a near-by hotel for folks traveling on a budget. You can save as much as $100 off your total lodging costs for the week.