NAMI Shoreline is a subsidiary of NAMI Connecticut, which is continuously working to improve public policy for people with serious mental illnesses in Connecticut. The Public Policy Agenda includes many issues that aim to increase access to treatment and services, and to repair and restore the mental health service system in our state.
At NAMI Connecticut, we are continuously working to improve public policy for people with serious mental illnesses in Connecticut. Our Public Policy Agenda includes many issues that aim to increase access to treatment and services, and to repair and restore the mental health service system in our state.
BUDGET CRISIS UPDATE September 9, 2017
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https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp?blm_aid=18739
July 19 UPDATE:
Senate health reform efforts are evolving rapidly. Regardless of how the Senate proceeds, every proposal needs to meet a simple test: Will Americans have more mental health coverage and better care? Please tell your Senators we need more coverage for mental health care, not less. #Act4MentalHealthhttp://ow.ly/pzAh30dJaEw
UPDATE: July 18, 2017 BCRA HAS FAILED FOR NOW:
THIS JUST IN: July 17 from NAMI:
The Senate delayed a vote on the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), but they are back at it—and they are moving fast. A vote could happen any day.
They have revised the bill and it isn’t better, it’s worse.
New language would let insurance companies offer bare-bones plans with no mental health coverage. This is a giant step away from parity, or fair coverage of mental health conditions.
There will still be less financial assistance and fewer protections for people who buy individual health insurance plans through the marketplace.
The bill still cuts and caps the Medicaid program, which will make it harder for people to get psychiatric medications, case management, mental health services—and even hospital care.
Millions will still lose their Medicaid coverage, including 1 in 10 veterans who rely on Medicaid for health and mental health services.
The bottom line: this bill hurts people with mental illness. But, the fight is not over. Together, we are powerful. Together we can #Act4MentalHealth. Tell your Senators to vote NO on the BCRA.
Posted April 24, 2017
Write to your state representatives to oppose Governor Malloy’s budget cuts which will negatively affect the research at the Yale School of Psychiatry and Connecticut Mental Health Center.
NAMI Connecticut is an active member of the Keep the Promise Coalition.
The Keep the Promise (KTP) Coalition is a Connecticut-based network of advocates, including people living with mental illness, family members, mental health professionals and interested community members. KTP is dedicated to advocating for a comprehensive, community mental health system for adults, children and families in Connecticut. Click HERE to visit the KTP website.
NAMI Connecticut’s Public Policy Program mission is aligned with KTP by advocating for improved services, more humane treatment, and an end to stigma and economic and social discrimination. Our goal is to support members to engage in advocacy activities at the legislature, in the community, and from their homes. NAMI Connecticut and the Keep the Promise Coalition have shared legislative priorities.
NAMI Connecticut Public Policy Program Components:
- Provide outreach, trainings, and education to the community and policymakers
- Monitor and act on state and local government issues relevant to the mental health community
- Mobilize NAMI Connecticut members to testify or contact policymakers on behalf of our legislative priorities
- Strategically work with the media to further our legislative agenda
- Develop and build relationships with community partners and stakeholders to work on joint initiatives
NAMI Connecticut’s Public Policy Committee consists of members from around the state who meet monthly to build consensus on legislative and policy issues, provide feedback, assist in developing the Keep the Promise Coalition’s legislative agenda, and act as committee liaisons in their communities.
For more information on advocacy, contact:
Daniela Giordano, MSW Public Policy Director – at publicpolicy@namict.org
For more information to go www.namict.org and click on “Public Policy and Advocacy” and “Resources”. Also look for Public Policy and/or Advocacy SPECIAL EVENTS on this website.
