During September NMHA is sending to Congress a series of appropriations “fact sheets” aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and the need for an increased federal commitment to mental health funding.  NMHA hopes the materials will lay the groundwork for Congress to allocate the needed resources not only to provide treatment for mental disorders for the millions unable to access these services, but to make prevention of mental illness and promotion of mental health important public health objectives.

Congress will soon begin consideration of the FY2002 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill.  Funding for mental health programs is in jeopardy; the Administration has proposed a cut for mental health services in its FY2002 budget.

The first fact sheet, Mental Health Services Improve Lives and Save Dollars, highlights the tremendous need in our communities for mental health screening and assessment, treatment, and prevention services.

The second fact sheet, Community-Based Mental Health Works,  underscores the powerful return on our nation’s investment in mental health treatment.

The third fact sheet, Community-Based Mental Health Services Are Under-Funded, highlights the decline in recent years of funding for community-based mental health services. 

A fourth fact sheet on other appropriations issues will be available shortly.

NMHA urges Congress to make mental health a funding priority.

Contact the the Capitol Switchboard @ 202-224-3121 to connect you with your two Senators and Representative.

Ask to speak to the legislative assistant handling the Labor, HHS Appropriations bill and urge their support of funding increases for mental health.

• Mental Health Services Improve Lives and Save Dollars

• Community-Based Mental Health Works

• Community-Based Mental Health Services Are Under-Funded
  
  
• Federal Government Affairs Home

• Mental Health: Pay for Services or Pay a Greater Price*
  

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Phone: 703/684-7722
Fax: 703/684-5968
Email: fedgovinfo@nmha.org