Join NAMI-NYS grassroots advocates from around the state as we come together to tell the New York State Legislature how we cannot recover and move forward from the events of the past year without addressing mental health and saving our mental health system.
COVID-19 and social distancing practices have increased demand for mental health and substance use services. The ramifications of COVID-19 are also wreaking havoc on our mental health system and those services that are desperately needed are now endangered.
Mental health and substance use services in both the community and hospital settings are now more vulnerable than ever before and many life-saving programs may soon close their doors for good. This is why the voice of NAMI-NYS advocates is needed for than ever before.
As with most things of late, our legislative advocacy efforts will be a bit different, but no less impactful in 2021. Instead of having our traditional Legislative Advocacy Day, this year, we will be holding regional Legislative Action Weeks.
NAMI Affiliates to Engage: Queens/Nassau. Huntington, \
NAMI Affiliates to Engage: Syracuse, Finger Lakes, Cayuga, Delaware/Otsego
NAMI Affiliates to Engage: Westchester, Putnam and Rockland
NAMI Affiliates to Engage: Buffalo, Rochester
Once you register you'll be placed in a team. NAMI-NYS or your team leader will schedule the meetings and you will be emailed a schedule of meetings for your region. If you don't know your legislators, that's ok, we can figure it out using the address provided in the registration. You will also find information below on how to make successful meetings. Finally, we will be announcing a series of Zoom meetings that will help participants plan for their legislative meetings.
Understanding the Issues and Other Resources
The following resources are designed to help you understand the key advocacy issues NAMI-NYS will be discussing with our leaders:
No Recovery Without Mental Health-Provides an overview of our current landscape and various ways to make your voice heard.