Mental Health America affiliates nationwide to promote mental health, prevent mental disorders and achieve victory over mental illnesses through advocacy, education, research and service. Mental health issues such as insurance coverage parity, seclusion and restraint, and forced treatment have received vast media coverage and attention in the federal legislature in the past year, and they will continue to be "hot topics." The following are tips on becoming an effective mental health advocate.

Learn about the issues

Subscribe to Mental Health America's newsletters to stay informed on mental health issues and how you can help with advocacy efforts.

The BELL

Mental Health America's monthly newsletter contains information on a variety of advocacy activities at the national, state and local levels. Subscriptions can be ordered at www.mentalhealthamerica.net

State Advocacy Update

This quarterly newsletter is an advocacy tool for consumers, family members and other advocates for improving the quality of mental health systems around the country. Each issue highlights timely state policy issues and provides actions steps that you can take to make a difference in healthcare reform. To subscribe, contact Mental Health America's State HealthCare Reform Department at shcrinfo@mentalhealthamerica.net.

Visit Mental Health America's web site at www.mentalhealthamerica.net for information on state and national opportunities to get involved and the status of legislative efforts affecting your areas of interest.

Contact your local Mental Health Association

Call your local Mental Health Association (MHA) to learn about current legislation in your state and how you can get involved with their mental health advocacy efforts. Many MHAs have advocacy committees or coalitions in which you can participate.

For the number to your local MHA or for more information on mental health advocacy, call the NMHA Information Center at 1-800-969-NMHA or click here to locate a Mental Health America affiliate in your area.

Click here to learn about advocacy opportunities through the Campaign for America's Mental Health.

Copyright © 2007 Mental Health America

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