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Families meeting the challenge of mental illness.

Alert.Advocacy Alerts

Watch this page for alerts on meetings, pending legislation, and hearings where you can help reinforce the need for sensitive mental illness public policy.

Your action in speaking out at critical points in the public policy process is important and can help make the difference!

 

Please write your NJ State Assembly members and your State Senator NOW!

Now is the time to express your views to your state legislators as they make tough decisions about the state budget.  The budget needs to pass by June 30 in order to go into effect on July 1.

Here are some suggested “Writing Points” re the State Budget to state assembly members and state senators:

  • Hundreds of people in our state psychiatric hospitals are ready to be discharged, but do not have adequate placement in the community.  Support $7.2 million proposed for the plan (Olmstead Plan) to reduce the number of individuals Conditionally Extended Pending Placement (CEPP) in our state psychiatric hospitals.
  • Oppose the closing of Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Hunterdon County, the only state facility offering specialized geriatric psychiatric treatment.
  • Low income people on Medicare have a New Jersey state program for medications.  Oppose the proposed $310 deductible for Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) and the $15 co-pay for brand name medications.
  • ALL savings that are achieved as a result of “downsizing” state hospitals must be redirected to the expansion of community mental health services. People with mental illness who live in the community need quality services to maintain their wellness.

Suggested Letter Outline:

Dear ________________

Introduction of yourself—where you live, how mental illness impacts you & your family (for example, my son lives with schizophrenia).

State your view on a couple of issues in a sentence or two.

Thank you to him/her for their leadership in the assembly or senate.

Include your return address.

See a Sample Letter

HANDWRITTEN ON PERSONAL STATIONERY IS BEST.
WRITE YOUR NOTE NOW

 

NAMI Mercer Interviews Senator Richard Codey and Mrs. Mary Jo Codey about Mental Health Issues in NJ

In December 2009, NAMI Mercer conducted a extensive interviews with both of these leaders on mental health issues. Their respective experiences provide both inspiration and an understanding of the scope of the challenge. Read the interviews here.

For the latest Advocacy News from NAMI New Jersey, click here.

 

EXPRESS YOURSELF:

You can help by responding to periodic opportunities to let our leaders know of our commitment and role in addressing mental health needs!

How to Contact Your Legislators

 

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Families Meeting the Challenge of Mental Illness