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2019 DAY AT THE CAPITAL GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Talking Points and Asks
• Mental health parity 2
• Federal opportunities 2
• Mental health decriminalization 3
• Workforce development 3
• Funding for Mental Health 4-6
• Military & Veterans 4
• Children & Youth 5
• Affordable Housing 6
• Caregivers 6
YOU MAY ALSO CONTACT:
15TH ANNUAL NAMIWALKS GEORGIA Kim H. Jones — NAMI Georgia, Inc. — Co-Chair • (678) 687-2948 or executive@namiga.org
Diane Marinelli — Mental Health America of Georgia — Co-Chair • (678) 314-1017 or vdianem@gmail.com
Join us at Clark Atlanta University
on Saturday, October 5, 2019 TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.NAMIGA.ORG.
and walk for mental health for all!
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE
To register and donate, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019
please visit www.namiwalks.org/georgia. 6 - 8:30PM NAMI GEORGIA – Dinner and Advocacy Training
4120 Presidential Parkway, Suite 200 Atlanta GA 30340
Questions? Contact Rachel Barber, Walk Manager FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019
at namiwalks@namiga.org. Behavioral Health Services Coalition (BHSC) Mental Health Day at the Capitol
The event begins at The GA Freight Depot located at 65 MLK Jr. Dr., Atlanta, GA 30334
(see map on page 3) then we will head to the Capitol
7:30 AM Volunteers needed to show up for event set-up
8:00 AM Behavioral Health Services Coalition (BHSC) Mental Health Day at the Capitol
A light breakfast will be served on a limited first-come, first-served basis.
Please plan to arrive early if you desire to eat.
Local mental health leaders will then address group on key topics.
10:45 PM Head to the Capitol to meet with legislators
TIPS FOR MEETING WITH TITLE
YOUR GA GENERAL ASSEMBLY INFORMATION & DIRECTIONS
FROM THE SOUTH: Take I-75/85 North to Exit 245 (Capitol Avenue). At the end of
KNOW NAMI GEORGIA’S KEY POINTS BE FLEXIBLE the exit ramp, continue straight through the stop sign. At the first traffic light, turn left
STREET ADDRESS
»» Review the talking points on Georgia PEACH »» Legislator offices’ schedules can shift rapidly, so onto Hank Aaron Drive. (The name will change to Capitol Avenue). The State Capitol is
The Office of the Governor
Act and parity for mental health and on you may have to meet with a different person on your left.
State of Georgia
Georgia’s mental health issues. or have less (or more) time than planned. 203 State Capitol FROM THE NORTH: Take I-75/85 South to Exit 248A (MLK, Jr. Drive) and veer right
»» Decide as a group on the 1-2 other issues that »» If asked about topics outside of NAMI Atlanta, Georgia 30334 onto MLK, Jr. Drive. The Capitol will be on your left. For parking, turn right at second
you want to talk about in your meetings. GEORGIA’s key asks, bring the conversation light onto Capitol Avenue and parking will be on your right at the Sloppy Floyd/Twin
back to your key points or say “I do not MAILING ADDRESS Towers complex.
»» Learn about your members of the Georgia
know” and offer to connect with NAMI 206 Washington Street
General Assembly
GEORGIA staff for follow up. Suite 203, State Capitol FROM THE EAST: Take I-20 West to Exit 58A (Capitol Avenue). Turn right and continue
Atlanta, GA 30334 on Capitol Avenue. The Capitol will be approximately one mile down on the left.
Phone: 404-656-1776
FROM THE WEST: Take I-20 to Exit 56B (Windsor Street/Spring Street/Stadium). At
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE Fax: 404-657-7332
KEEP POLITICS OUT OF IT the third light, turn left onto Central Avenue. Go to Mitchell Street and turn right. Go
»» FIND YOUR LEGISLATOR: https://openstates. one block and the capitol will be on the left.
org/find_your_legislator »» Mental illness does not discriminate
based on political party. NAMI GEORGIA
»» Review information on your Senators and is a nonpartisan organization looking for
Representative by visiting www.senate.ga.gov/
senators/en-US/SenateMembersList.aspx or
bipartisan solutions.
»» Respect your Legislator’s political views,
WAYS TO GET TO & FROM THE CAPITOL
www.house.ga.gov/Representatives/en-US/
HouseMembersList.aspx. even if they differ from your own.
»» Look for common points of interest or »» Do not get angry or raise your voice.
RIDESHARE
connection between you and the member to
help spur conversation. > Uber or Lyft ridesharing services are available
BUILD A CONNECTION throughout Atlanta via their respective phone apps.
»» You may be meeting with the Legislator or
PLAN MEETING ROLES PARKING
their staff; treat both with equal respect.
> Buses and 15-passenger or larger vans are allowed to
»» Meetings may be brief, and not everyone will »» Invite your Legislator to your NAMI
park on the west side of Washington Street in front of
have a chance to speak at length. GEORGIAWalk, a local mental health
the Capitol on most weekdays. Capitol events or security
program, or other event.
»» Plan who will take the lead, who will make threats may make this space unavailable. In those cases,
certain points, and who might share a story. »» All politics are local: ask for a contact to buses will be rerouted by Capitol security.
send a formal invitation or to schedule a
»» If your group is large, expect that your role may > Public parking is available in several locations
future meeting. MARTA
be to introduce yourself, then observe or tweet. surrounding the Capitol. Parking fees vary by lot. Certain
> The Georgia State Capitol building is only one lots may be closed due to the legislative session. The
»» Remember that facts support and stories
block away from the Georgia State MARTA following lots are always open to the public if spaces are
move people—but keep your story to 90
END ON A POSITIVE NOTE Station on the blue/green rail line. If you are available:
seconds or less.
coming from the red or gold rail line, exit at the • Steve Polk Plaza Parking is located on M.L. King, Jr., Drive,
»» Thank the Legislator or their staff for their Five Points Station and follow the signs to the one block from the Capitol.
time and support (if applicable). Eastbound platform. Get on the first eastbound • A surface lot is located on Memorial Drive, one block
BE AWARE OF TIME »» Leave NAMI GEORGIA’s legislative issue train and ride one stop to the Georgia State from the Capitol.
briefs and mental health facts with Station. Take the Piedmont Avenue exit out of
• Underground Parking: A parking garage is located
»» Legislators’ schedules are tight, so be on time Legislative office staff. the station and turn left on Piedmont Avenue.
on the north side of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, two
for your appointments. The Capitol is located one block south of the
»» Ask for a picture with the Legislator. Tweet blocks from the Capitol.
»» Divide up your group (if possible) if you think MARTA station. MARTA has eight (8) bus routes
it, put it on Facebook, send it to NAMI that serve Capitol Hill. For more information and
you have appointments timed too closely GEORGIA at namiwalks@namiga.org and
together to stay on schedule. route planning, contact MARTA at 404-848-5000 ADDITIONAL ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
share it in your Affiliate newsletter. or visit www.martaguide.com/2010/04/18/
»» The Georgia State Capitol is big, and it > The Georgia Building Authority and the state ADA
»» Mention that NAMI GEORGIA is a resource marta-to-the-georgia-capitol.
may take 10–15 minutes to walk between Coordinator’s Office guide for all accessibility information
that offers free local education and support > MARTA maps and trip planner tools are
appointments. can be found at gov.georgia.gov/accessibility-guide-
programs and reference the “NAMI Affiliate available at www.itsmarta.com. visitors-disabilities.
in Your Community” card in the folder.
4 2019 DAY AT THE CAPITAL GUIDE • TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.NAMIGA.ORG. 5
TITLE
CAPITOL HILL MAP PLACES TO EAT NEAR THE CAPITOL
There are limited places to get lunch or refreshments at The Georgia State Capitol. Those available include:
1. There is a very small coffee shop with limited drinks 4. The Food Shoppe, 123 Luckie St NW
S and food located in the bottom floor of the capitol. 5. Aviva by Kameel, 225 Peachtree St NE
2. Capitol Commons Café in the James “Sloppy” 6. Big Daddy’s Southern Cuisine, 121 Martin Luther
A Floyd Veterans Memorial Building: located across King Jr Drive
MLK Jr. Drive, one level below the main entry in
the Twin Towers. 7. Charley’s Grilled Subs, 971 Spine Rd.
Hours of Operation: Breakfast 6:45 a.m. to 8. Charley’s Philly Steaks, 7700 Spine Rd.
10 a.m. Lunch 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
P Public Parking C Cafeteria EV EV Charging 9. Quiznos, 1 Martin Luther King Jr Dr. SW
Station 3. Coverdell Legislative Office Building Café:
S Snack Bar A ATM Machine 10. Subway, 221 Central Ave SW
located located across Capitol Square from
the Capitol, on the 6th floor. The Café offers
an entrée line and grill. Hours of Operation:
Breakfast 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
P LEGISLATORS’ OFFICES
Find your legislators’ office number by finding them here:
https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/.
Then click on each name for contact information.
SENATORS’ OFFICES are at the Capitol listed as “CAP”
P REPRESENTATIVES’ OFFICES are located at the Paul D.
Coverdell Legislative Office Building - across the street from
the Capitol. Listed as “CLOB”
18 Capitol Square SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
S
C
A
INTRODUCING NAMI GEORGIA TO YOUR LEGISLATOR
S P
S
> Introduce yourself, your relationship to NAMI GEORGIA, and > Discuss the mental health crisis in Georgia and in our communities:
your connection to the organization. • 1 in 5 Georgians are affected by mental illness in a given year.1
> Thank your legislator and/or staff for meeting with you and • The suicide rate is the highest it has been in decades
especially among Georgia’s children.2
for any past or current support, if applicable.
• Georgia is ranked 43 out of 50 states for access to mental
> Share that NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health care resources and insurances. We must increase
health organization, active in 900 communities across expenditures to support treatment and supports.
S the country. NAMI GEORGIA represents 18 NAMI Affiliates • More than half of adults and children with mental illness do
C located across Georgia serving over 10,000 Georgians not receive treatment.4
affected by mental health at no cost to the public.
> Express that we need more access to quality, affordable
> Briefly talk about what your affiliate and what NAMI mental health services for Georgians, not less.
GEORGIA provides in your community.
> Share that when we do not have adequate mental health
A EV
care coverage, we keep people from getting the treatment
S P they need and push people with mental illness into
emergency rooms, jails, and the streets.
After the above, an appointed storyteller should briefly share their personal story. The meeting lead
and other appointed messengers should then discuss NAMI GEORGIA’s key issues and asks.
6 2019 DAY AT THE CAPITAL GUIDE • TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.NAMIGA.ORG. 7
TITLE & ASKS
TALKING POINTS TALKING POINTS AND ASKS
to no more restrictive than policies > Geographic restrictions (e.g., no NAMI GEORGIA’S ASK
and practices for medical or surgical coverage for out-of-state treatment).
END UNNECESSARY
ACHIEVE MENTAL services. INCARCERATION > Increase the number of accountability WORKFORCE
HEALTH PARITY > Failure of the formulary (medications courts in Georgia.
covered by insurance) to include
OF INDIVIDUALS DEVELOPMENT
IN GEORGIA EXAMPLES OF PARITY VIOLATIONS
WITH MENTAL > Divert non-violent offenders with
CAN INCLUDE: psychiatric medications (e.g., anti-
mental illness into treatment.
psychotic medications). ILLNESS
> Denials of authorization for mental > Invest in mental health services that TALKING POINTS
TALKING POINTS health and substance abuse care. > High out-of-pocket costs for prescription
keep people out of jail in the first place.
drugs that discourage people from TALKING POINTS > Nationally, there are workforce
> There is currently no mechanism in > “Fail-first” requirements - refusal to participating in both mental health and > Continue Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) shortages of mental health providers
Georgia to measure or enforce the pay for higher cost therapies until the other medical treatment. > A person who is having a mental training of police, corrections and other including psychiatrists, psychologists,
the federal Mental Health Parity and patient fails at a lower cost treatment. health crisis is often more likely to land first responders on safely and effectively licensed clinical social workers,
Addiction Equity Act of 2008. > Failure to cover medication-assisted in jail than in a hospital. That’s wrong.
> A limited number of in-network behav- responding to people with mental illness. marriage and family therapists, and
treatment (MAT) for persons with
> The Office of the Insurance and Fire ioral health care providers or failure of > Tragically, about 2 million people with > Request the Georgia Department of advanced nurse practitioners who are
substance abuse disorders.
Safety Commissioner should measure those providers to take new patients. mental illness are booked into jails specializing in mental health care.
Behavioral Health and Developmental
compliance and hold insurance every year, most on minor, non-violent
> Exclusion of coverage for certain types NAMI GEORGIA’S ASK Disabilities (DBHDD) funding for NAMI > Georgia is ranked 48th in the adequate
companies accountable for parity. charges.10
of treatment without any medical Georgia be reinstated to support availability of mental health workforce.
> Support the Georgia Parity PEACH Act > About 1 in 5 jail inmates in the U.S.
> Parity is grounded in ensuring equal necessity analysis. coordination and development of
#PassThePeach . have a serious mental illness.11 > There are 10.9 Psychiatrists per
coverage of treatment services under advocates participating in CIT training
> Prior authorization requirements and 100,000 people and only 5.9 child and
both the behavioral health and medical > Ask the Insurance and Fire Safety > When in jail, people with mental illness state-wide.
re-authorization for mental illness or adolescent psychiatrists per 100,000
benefits offered by a health plan. Thus, Commissioner’s Office or an oversight stay almost twice as long as others
substance use disorder (e.g., inpatient > Encourage and fund mental health youth, in the state.
parity law requires that a health plan’s committee to conduct regular, random facing similar charges.12
mental health care coverage re- training for all first responders, such
policies and practices cover behavioral market audits for parity compliance on > Disproportionate numbers of people > With the prevalence of mental
authorization required every 5 days). as Emergency Medical Services, and
health services (mental health and all commercial health insurance and with mental illness are in our criminal illness at 19%, it is more likely for
family members so police are not
substance use disorders) in a way Medicaid managed care plans. justice systems, often as a result of first responders and other medical
engaged during a mental health crisis.
untreated or undertreated illness. professionals to encounter someone
> Encourage and fund placement of a with a mental illness than someone
> Jails have become the de facto mental mental health professional trained by
> Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Mental who is having a heart attack.
NAMI GEORGIA’S ASK health institutions of our day.
and Behavioral 13.9% and Neurological the Georgia Crisis and Access line to be
MAXIMIZE > Maintain funding for existing mental > People with serious mental illness are on call in all 911 units. NAMI GEORGIA’S ASK
5.1%) are now the leading cause of
FEDERAL disability in our country.8 health Medicaid codes. incarcerated at four times the rate of
OPPORTUNITIES the general population.13 > Increase the number of professionals
> Add and expand Medicaid mental
DECREASING THE UNINSURED in the state specializing in mental
TO INCREASE health codes to address the growing
POPULATION IN GEORGIA needs in Georgia. health by setting standards for
THE INSURED > According to a 2016 VA report, 20 education that offer trauma and
> Additional Medicaid programs cover > Implement the recommendations
POPULATION OF people who fall through the cracks, veterans per day die by suicide.19 suicide courses earlier.
GEORGIA
of the Homelessness Task Force Study INVEST IN In Georgia alone nearly 4 veterans die
like young adults with first symptoms Committee. > Offer loan forgiveness for those who
of psychosis, who are not eligible for MILITARY AND each week by suicide.20
> Leverage state funds to access work in rural areas impacted by
traditional Medicaid. VETERANS workforce shortages.
federal Medicaid funds to support NAMI GEORGIA’S ASK
TALKING POINTS > Research from Ohio shows that people individuals who are currently or at risk > Increase the Medicaid reimbursement
> Congress showed strong bipartisan enrolled in new Medicaid are getting of homelessness.
more mental health care, managing TALKING POINTS > Improve the claims process by hiring rate for mental health services.
support of mental health care when
chronic depression better, and using > Oppose any legislation that: more claims specialists at VA clinics or
it passed mental health reform in the > Georgia’s military service members
costly emergency department care • Caps or limits Medicaid mental health by partnering with non-profit veterans
21st Century Cures Act in 2016. and veterans struggle to get mental
less. It also shows that Medicaid helps services. advocacy groups.
> This was significant because over health treatment, have high rates
people to keep working or to seek work.9 • Takes away protections for people > Provide food or housing assistance to
1.3 million Georgians are affected of mental illness and suicide, and
> New Medicaid removes barriers for with mental health conditions veterans who are awaiting the results
by a mental illness,⁵ yet more than experience unique barriers to care.
61 percent of adults in Georgia with people with mental illness by allowing in health plans or leaves fewer of disability claims.
people to qualify based on income, Georgians with coverage for mental > Additionally, 12 percent of Georgia’s
mental health conditions go without
rather than a disability determination. illness. homeless population are veterans, > Support PTSD treatment research
treatment.6
which is striking because only 7 percent through partnerships with universities.
> We need more coverage for mental > This change in qualification helps
of Georgia’s overall population are > Reduce barriers to care by funding
health care, not less. people get mental health services
and allows for a path to work and veterans.18 telemedicine and by incentivizing
> Nearly 1 in 3 people (29 percent) self-sufficiency. mental health providers to practice in
covered under Medicaid have a mental
> Veterans in Georgia often wait far too
long for their disability claims to be rural areas of the state.
health or substance use condition. 7
approved. > Expand Georgia Crisis and Access Line. IN GEORGIA
8 2019 DAY AT THE CAPITAL GUIDE • TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.NAMIGA.ORG. 9
TALKING POINTS
TITLE AND ASKS TALKING POINTS AND ASKS
COORDINATED SPECIALTY CARE (CSC) Georgia’s APEX program which NAMI GEORGIA’S ASK • Increase funding for supported housing
SERVICES INCLUDE: funds community mental health INVEST IN placements for Georgia Housing
INVEST IN MENTAL providers throughout Georgia to > Protect the Department of Housing Voucher Program participants.
HEALTH SERVICES > Case management, APPROPRIATE, and Urban Development (HUD) and
build infrastructure for school-based • Allocate funding to expand the
FOR CHILDREN, > Medications and primary care
mental health services. AFFORDABLE oppose any cuts to HUD program.
coordination, Georgia Housing Voucher and Bridge
YOUNG ADULTS, • Support the development of HOUSING FOR > Support the following findings of the Program to include non-settlement
> Cognitive behavioral therapy, telemed services for underserved PEOPLE LIVING Georgia State Senate 2017 Homeless
AND FAMILIES criteria individuals with a substance
> Supported education and areas of the state. WITH MENTAL Committee: use diagnosis.
employment, and
ILLNESS • Leverage state funds by accessing • Allocate funding to PATH, ACT, CST,
> Family education and support. federal Medicaid funds to support and ICM services to support the
TALKING POINTS individuals who are currently or at provision of replacement state-
> Half of mental health conditions begin NAMI GEORGIA’S ASK risk of homelessness.
TALKING POINTS issued identification for enrolled
by age 14 and 75 percent by age 24. 16
> Supplement the 10% of Georgia’s • Increase state funding to the individuals transitioning from
> Lack of safe and affordable housing
> Schizophrenia and other psychotic federal mental health block grant set State Housing Trust Fund for the correctional facilities.
is one of the most significant barriers
disorders are serious mental illnesses, aside for Coordinated Specialty Care to independent living for people Homelessness (SHTF) in order to • The creation of a statewide public-
and typically strike in youth. (CSC) with state funds to support the with serious mental illness. Without enable the Department of Consumer private partnership to serve as a
expansion of early psychosis programs. housing, too many cycle in and out Affairs (DCA) to expand existing clearinghouse of best practices,
> Without early treatment, the homelessness programs as well as
> NAMI Georgia supports the following of homelessness, incarceration, information, and resources that
consequences can be tragic. Youth
shelters, emergency departments, to explore additional options and supports developing and sustaining
with psychosis are dying at a rate 24 findings and recommendations of the
and hospitalization—or remain opportunities to maximize federal local re-entry case planning
times higher than their peers.17 Governor’s Commission on Children’s
institutionalized. funds to address homelessness in collaboratives in every county.
Mental Health released on December
> Fortunately, National Institute of Georgia.
12, 2017: > Georgia’s Department of Justice • Increasing state funding for private
Mental Health (NIMH) research shows • Allocate funding for DCA’s expansion
• Fund supported education and Settlement continues to focus on the and/or nonprofit homeless shelters
that Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) of the Section 811 Project Rental
employment programs for youth and importance of housing for recovery. to provide increased educational
services in early psychosis programs Assistance Demonstration Program
emerging adults with serious mental and psychosocial supports for
are changing the trajectory of mental > Georgia must plan for the future and and mixed income properties in high
illness. homeless youth.
illness and helping young people get work to ensure that all people with mental density counties.
• Increase access to behavioral
their lives on track. illness living in the state have access to
health care for children through
appropriate, affordable housing.
> This drop was the second consecutive Health and co-occurring substance > Among military family caregivers, > With the heavy demands and strains
INVEST IN yearly decline in life expectancy; the abuse disorders, targeting the male INVEST IN nearly 40 percent have major on family caregivers, state programs
depression, more than 4 times the should provide support to family
MENTAL HEALTH first 2-year decline since the early population ages 18-45 with dual SUPPORT
1960’s. diagnosis/opioid addiction issues. general population.23 caregivers of people with mental illness.
FOR MENTAL
> Fund a tax credit for Mental Health > Family caregivers typically provide
> Deaths from drug overdose surged 21 HEALTH FAMILY NAMI GEORGIA’S ASK
percent from 2015 to 2016. providers willing to serve as preceptors financial and emotional support,
CAREGIVERS
15
TALKING POINTS manage medications, search for
(mentor to medical student), > Thank you for historic support of NAMI
> What we pay for reflects our values as > Research is showing that the earlier particularly in underserved/low health mental health services, make GEORGIA. Please continue to support
Georgians. people get effective mental health appointments, prepare meals, shop,
access areas of Georgia. DBHDD funding of NAMI GEORGIA
treatment, the better the outcomes TALKING POINTS
> Our state should show that it values > Support opioid antidotes like Narcan arrange transportation, complete whose volunteers with lived experience
and the lower the cost of health care. > More than 8.4 million Americans, paperwork, and respond to crises.
the lives of the over 1.3 million residents being made available over the counter. educate and support over 10,000
with mental health conditions — and > Early psychosis programs are one including family members of veterans,
> Fund opioid therapeutic addiction > Mental health family caregivers devote Georgians affected by mental health
future generations — by investing in example where treatment is changing provide care to an adult relative living
treatment centers across the state to an average of 32 hours a week to conditions with no cost to them.
mental health and improving mental the course of mental illness and with mental illness.21
address the epidemic. caregiving,24 about 8 hours a week
health services and supports. helping young people get better.
> Fund additional Behavioral Health > With national shortages of mental more than caregivers of people with
> Half of mental health conditions begin Crisis Centers across the state. health services, the role of caregiver other chronic conditions.
NAMI GEORGIA’S ASK
by age 14 and 75% by age 24.14 often falls on families—with little or no
> 1 in 4 family caregivers of adults with
> Appropriate $250k in matching funds support or training.
> The average life expectancy in the U.S. mental illness reports financial strain.25
to NAMI GEORGIA for a private- > Almost 75 percent of caregivers
dropped in 2016 largely because of an
public partnership to establish a pilot experience a high level of emotional
increase in the number of deaths by
Clubhouse for Georgians with Mental stress and 2-in-3 are in poor or fair
drug overdoses.
health.22
10 2019 DAY AT THE CAPITAL GUIDE • TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.NAMIGA.ORG. 11TITLE ENDNOTES
1. Georgia (State). Legislature. House of Representatives. House Budget & Research Office. Study Committee on Mental Illness
Initiative, Reform, Public Health, and Safety: Final Report, 2016. Retrieved from http://www.house.ga.gov/Documents/
CommitteeDocuments/2016/Mental_Illness_Initiative/HR1093_FinalReport.pdf.
2. Cook, Rhonda. “Youth Suicides Continue to Rise Sharply in Georgia.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 17 Nov. 2017, www.myajc.com/
news/local/youth-suicides-continue-rise-sharply-georgia/DeXfABThYvpFvhfwH36ftM/.
3. Governing magazine has a chart for FY 2010 (no more recent), which ranks Georgia 47th: http://www.governing.com/gov-data/
health/mental-health-spending-by-state.html
4. Park-Lee/SAMHSA, Eunice, et al. “Receipt of Services for Substance Use and Mental Health Issues among Adults: Results from the
2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.”Receipt of Services for Substance Use and Mental Healthy Issues among Adults:
Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1 Sept. 2016, www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-
ServiceUseAdult-2015/NSDUH-ServiceUseAdult-2015/NSDUH-ServiceUseAdult-2015.htm.
5. “Mental Health in America - Prevalence Data.” Mental Health America, 17 Oct. 2016, www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/mental-
health-america-prevalence-data.
6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Behavioral Health Barometer: Georgia, Volume 4: Indicators as
measured through the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services,
and the Uniform Reporting System. HHS Publication No. SMA–17–Baro–16–States–GA. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration, 2017. https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA17-BAROUS-16/SMA17-BAROUS-16-GA.pdf.
7. Americans with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders: The Single Largest Beneficiaries of the Medicaid Expansion. The
National Council for Behavioral Health, 2017, www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Medicaid-Expansion-
Behavioral-Health-UPDATED-5-1-17.pdf.
8. “U.S. Leading Categories of Diseases/Disorders.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/disability/us-leading-categories-of-diseases-disorders.shtml.
9. Investing in Ohio: Medicaid and Access to Mental Health and Addiction Services. The National Council for Behavioral Health, 2017, www.
thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Ohio-facts-behavioral-health-access-and-coverage_revised-4.25.17.pdf
FOLLOW UP TO HAVE A GREATER IMPACT 10. “Jailing People With Mental Illness.” NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Public-
Policy/Jailing-People-with-Mental-Illness.
11. “Serious Mental Illness Prevalence in Jails and Prisons.” Treatment Advocacy Center, Sept. 2016, www.treatmentadvocacycenter.
org/evidence-and-research/learn-more-about/3695.
SEND A THANK YOU 12. Levin , A. (2016, May 20). County Leaders Step Up To Reduce Incarceration Of Mentally Ill People. Psychiatric News. Retrieved from:
> Send a short follow-up email within a few https://stepuptogether.org/updates/county-leaders-step-up-to-reduce-incarceration-of-mentally-ill-people
days of your Legislative meetings. 13. Lurigio, A. J. (2011). People with serious mental illness in the criminal justice system: Causes, consequences, and correctives. The
Prison Journal, 91(3), 66S-86S. doi: 10.1177/0032885511415226
> Attach any photos that you may have taken
14. “Mental Health Conditions.” NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions.
with the legislator or staff.
KEEP IT GOING 15. Bernstein, Lenny, and Christopher Ingraham. “Health & Science Fueled by Drug Crisis, U.S. Life Expectancy Declines for a Second
> Thank the office for their time and reiterate Straight Year.” The Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2017, www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/fueled-by-drug-crisis-us-
the importance of quality, affordable
> If you aren’t getting NAMI GEORGIA’s advocacy alerts,
life-expectancy-declines-for-a-second-straight-year/2017/12/20/2e3f8dea-e596-11e7-ab50-621fe0588340_story.html?tid=a_
sign up at NAMIWalks@namiga.org. (You should also
mental healthcare. inl&utm_term
follow @namigeorgia on Twitter and Instagram, and like
16. “Mental Health Conditions.” NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions.
COMPLETE FEEDBACK FORMS NAMI GEORGIA on Facebook at facebook.com/NAMI
GEORGIA.) 17. “Higher Death Rate among Youth with First Episode Psychosis.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human
> The meeting lead should fill out one Mental Services, 6 Apr. 2017, www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/higher-death-rate-among-youth-first-episode-psychosis.
Health Day at the Capitol feedback form for > Follow or like your legislators on Twitter, Facebook and 18. Page 7: http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/HomelessnessReport2015.pdf
each meeting. These forms can be found at Instagram.
19. Suicide Among Veterans and Other Americans 2001–2014. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2016, www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
the Mental Health Day debrief table in the > Sign up for your legislators’ email lists by visiting their docs/2016suicidedatareport.pdf.
Capitol rotunda. websites, which you can find by going to their page at 20. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Georgia Veteran Suicide Data Sheet.” 2015. www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/
> These forms help NAMI GEORGIA staff www.senate.ga.gov/senators/en-US/SenateMembersList. Suicide-Data-Sheet-Georgia.pdf.
learn about your visit, and follow up aspx or www.house.ga.gov/Representatives/en-US/ 21. Hunt, Gail Gibson, et al. On Pins & Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness. The National Alliance for Caregiving, 2016, www.
appropriately with legislative offices. HouseMembersList.aspx. caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NAC_Mental_Illness_Study_2016_FINAL_WEB.pdf.
> Invite your legislators to your NAMIWalks and other 22. Hunt, Gail Gibson, et al. On Pins & Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness. The National Alliance for Caregiving, 2016, www.
TWEET & POST NAMI GEORGIA events including the Annual Conference
caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NAC_Mental_Illness_Study_2016_FINAL_WEB.pdf.
and Gubernatorial Mental Health Forum, your local 23. Ramchand, R; Tanielian, T; Fisher, MP; Vaughan, CA; Trail, TE; Epley, C; Voorhies, P; Robbins, MW; Robinson, E; Ghosh-Dastidar, B
> Members of Congress pay close attention (2014) Hidden Heroes: America’s Military Caregivers. Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Accessed May 30, 2017: http://www.rand.org/
to social media, so tweet at them or post NAMI Affiliate events or other local mental health
content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR400/RR499/RAND_RR499.pdf Ibid. p.48
on their Facebook wall and let them know programs.
24. Hunt, Gail Gibson, et al. On Pins & Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness. The National Alliance for Caregiving, 2016, www.
that mental health is important to you. > Attend legislators’ events in your district to further build caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NAC_Mental_Illness_Study_2016_FINAL_WEB.pdf.
> See the last page for tips and sample your relationship, like office hours and public forums. 25. Hunt, Gail Gibson, et al. On Pins & Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness. The National Alliance for Caregiving, 2016, www.
tweets and posts. caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NAC_Mental_Illness_Study_2016_FINAL_WEB.pdf.
12 2019 DAY AT THE CAPITAL GUIDE • TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.NAMIGA.ORG. 13USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO
Social media is an important 1. Amplify #Act4MentalHealth and #MH4ALL on social
tool for legislators and media: Use #Act4MentalHealth for your Mental Health
their staff to learn about Day at the Capitol posts.
constituents’ opinions, and
your posts will help reinforce 2. Use photos and videos: Take pictures in front of the
the messages we share in Georgia State Capitol, outside of your legislator’s office
our meetings. and with your legislator, if possible.
Here are some tips on how to 3. Make it personal: As with your meetings, it is helpful to
use social media during (and briefly share your personal story on social media.
after) Mental Health Day at 4. Thank your legislators: Thank your legislator or their staff
the Capitol: by tagging them and sharing pictures. Keep your posts
positive, regardless of your meeting outcome.
— SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS —
Please add your photos and personal stories for even more impact.
#Act4MentalHealth #MH4ALL #NAMIGEORGIA
Mental Health
TWITTER/INSTAGRAM
> Thank you @[Legislator] for meeting with @namigeorgia to discuss protecting Medicaid and Join us in the 50 communities around the state
where we will be exploring how Georgia can
how to #Act4MentalHealth
> 1 in 5 are affected by a #mentalhealth condition in their life. Thank you @[Legislator] for all
you do to #Act4MentalHealth change the conversation around mental health.
> Today, I #Act4MentalHealth by telling Georgia Legislators to protect Medicaid for those who
rely on it for mental health care #DontCutOurCare
> Meeting today with @[Legislator] to discuss how to protect mental health care coverage
#Act4MentalHealth HOW IT WORKS
> @[Legislator] – Thank you for standing up for #mentalhealth. #Act4MentalHealth
> We need MORE mental health coverage, not LESS. Thank you @[Legislator] for discussing
ways to #Act4MentalHealth today
> Half of people with mental illness get no treatment. We need more mental health care, not
less. Today, I #Act4MentalHealth
FACEBOOK HOST 6-10 3 BIG EQUAL TIME ONE VOICE
> Today, I went to the Georgia State Capitol to meet with [Legislator] to discuss how to protect
mental health coverage. Thank you for your support of the 1 in 5 Georgians affected by GUESTS QUESTIONS TO SHARE AT A TIME
mental illness. #Act4MentalHealth
> Thank you [Legislator] for meeting with NAMI GEORGIA to discuss ways to protect mental
health coverage. #Act4MentalHealth
TO HOST OR ATTEND:
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