Public Policy & Advocacy
At NAMI-CT, 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.
Connecticut Mental Health Statistics
Know Your Rights – Mental Health Parity
QUICK FACTS – on your Local, State and Federal Government
How to Get Your Legislator to LISTEN – A Guide to Taking Charge
NAMI-CT’s Public Policy Program’s Mission is to “Advocate 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-CT 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-CT 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 to work on joint initiatives
Stay Informed
Receive action alerts when legislation is pending or to be informed of other important legislative activities and events.
Read about NAMI-CT’s 2012 Legislative Agenda.
Check out our Advocacy Toolkit
NAMI-CT invites NAMI members to join the Public Policy Committee to become informed on critical issues affecting people with serious mental illnesses and their families and to help craft positions on these issues. The Committee serves as the “brain trust” for the NAMI-CT Board for our legislative agenda. Call the NAMI-CT office to sign-on or e-mail the NAMI-CT Public Policy Director at publicpolicy@namict.org.
NAMI-CT is a member of the Keep the Promise, a statewide grassroots mental health advocacy coalition dedicated to advocating for the community based solutions necessary to maintain and expand critical mental health services for adults and children and the housing options to meet their needs. Visit the Keep the Promise Coalition at www.ctkeepthepromise.org.
Watch the Keep the Promise Coalition Video highlighting members and key policy issues!
Additional Questions? Contact NAMI-CT
