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Now is the Time to Make Your Voice Heard on Health Reform!

August 27, 2009

Members of Congress will be on recess and in their states and districts for one more week, through the Labor Day weekend.  They return to Washington to re-commence business on Monday, September 8^th.  It is important for consumers, families and other advocates to keep the pressure on Congress to move forward on the critical issue of health care reform – and to ensure that improvements in coverage of treatment for mental illnesses are included!

Act Now!

Individuals living with mental illness and their families are strongly encouraged to reach out to members of Congress as they make appearances in their states and congressional districts during the next week.  Advocates should reach out to their Senators and House members through:

• Requesting meetings with them in their state and district offices,
• Attending congressional town meetings and "listening sessions,"
• Calling into appearances on local radio programs,
• Talking to members of Congress at community parades, picnics and other public appearances, and
• Writing letters to the editor of local newspapers.

What is NAMI’s Message?

NAMI’s basic message to Congress is:

1. Move this year on health care reform legislation that provides quality and affordable health care for all while reducing the rate of growth in health care costs in the future;
2. Ensure that mental illness treatment is included as part of any required basic benefit package AND is covered at parity; and
3. Address medical co-morbidities experienced by individuals with serious mental illness through expanded access to primary care and early intervention services.

Click here for a more comprehensive list of NAMI’s objectives on health reform.

Learn More

Learn more about  health reform and read  NAMI’s principles and goals for health reform legislation.

Thank you for your advocacy!

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Join NAMI today!

When you become a member of NAMI, you become part of America's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness. And now you can join online.