Advocacy Day: Be Active on April 3-5
Massachusetts State House
Advocacy Day - Take Action
Advocacy Day is when hundreds of NAMI Massachusetts supporters come together to raise our voices in support of mental health. This year, similar to 2022, we will host the virtual event in 90-120 minute segments over 3 days. Included in the three days are opportunities to listen to motivational speakers, to learn from information sessions about the legislation, and to practice telling your story — with expert training. On the last day, Wednesday, you’ll have time for two meetings, one with your State Representative and one with your Senator. This year’s events take place April 3-5.
Why advocate? You are an expert. You know more about the challenges of navigating the mental health system than most legislators and probably most of your friends, family, and neighbors. Your story will help others understand the ways in which our mental health system fails to help those dealing with mental health symptoms. We want the mental health system in Massachusetts to succeed—change lives for the better. You can be part of that change!
NAMI Massachusetts relies on our grassroots network to create change at the state and local level. You know more about the challenges of navigating the mental health system than most legislators and probably most of your friends, family, and neighbors. Your story will help others understand the ways in which our mental health system fails to help those dealing with mental health symptoms. Your voice makes a difference!
Details about registering for the event and information about the legislation NAMI MA is prioritizing will be available in the coming weeks. We will send an email with all the details later this month. Two bills that are likely to be included on that list include:
MA H.D.2347/S.D.320: An Act Transferring Bridgewater State Hospital From The Department Of Corrections To The Department Of Mental Health
MA H.D.3255: An Act Relative To Ending Unnecessary Hospitalizations And Reducing Emergency Department Boarding
In the meantime you could sign up for NAMI MA Advocacy News and Alerts: namimass.org/advocacy-news-alerts/ or connect on the federal level to learn more about #Act4MentalHealth: nami.quorum.us/campaign/44205/. Click the button below to learn about the legislative process, how bills become law, in Massachusetts.