Advocacy E-News August 30, 2016
August 30, 2016
NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND
NAMI is leading a National Call-In Day for Senate Mental Health Reform on Friday, September 2nd. The House passed Mental Health Reform 422-2. Don’t let the Senate let America down.
Mental Health Reform, S. 2680, will help. But, time is running out. Take 2 minutes on Friday, September 2nd. Call your Senators. Tell them to demand a vote on S. 2680 now.
Call (202) 224-3121, Press #1 , Enter your zip code
Learn more about The Mental Health Reform Act
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE PARITY TASK FORCE
The Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Task Force created by President Obama wants to hear about your experience with mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. How have parity protections affected you? What are your suggestions for improving awareness of parity protections and monitoring health plans’ compliance with parity?
To learn more and submit comments
In New Jersey the Parity Coalition is collecting stories of those who have been denied mental health and/or substance abuse treatment to present to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. If you have a story to share contact [email protected]
NAMI ISSUES NEW REPORT ON ENGAGEMENT
Many people who seek mental health care drop out – 70% after a first or second visit. One key factor is engagement, the quality of relationships between people with mental illness and service providers, their families, and the community as a whole. NAMI’s new report, Engagement: A New Standard for Mental Health Care, calls for a culture shift toward effective mental health care that preserves dignity and responds to the individual and family.
CIT OFFICER NAMED LINDEN POLICE CHIEF
The Linden Police Department will have a new leader and make history on Sept. 1: Capt. Jonathan Parham has been appointed the city’s new top cop and will become its first black police chief. Captain Parham has been a leader in New Jersey’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program instructing officers throughout the state in recognizing and deescalating those who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
NJ PRISONS HAVE MORE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS THAN STATE’S PSYCH HOSPITALS
A new study finds there are more people with a mental illness in New Jersey’s prisons than in psychiatric clinics. The report, prepared by Public Citizen and the Treatment Advocacy Center, stresses more must be done to expand mental health treatment options in the community, and suggests for some, treatment behind bars can be more effective than anywhere else.
DHS-DMHAS PRESENTS A NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK EVENT
The Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Adult Suicide Prevention Committee will hold its annual event during National Suicide Prevention Week on September 8, 2016, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, at the NJ Forensic Science Technology Center, 1200 Negron Drive, Hamilton, NJ 08691.
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