For immediate assistance: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Get Involved
Make Access to Mental Health Services a Key Part of Health Care Reform
With America's health care in debate, this is a critical time to urge your elected officials to ensure that improving mental health is a key part of health care reform.
Mental Health America urges you to contact your Senators and Representatives with the following messages regarding health care reform:
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Mental health is integral to overall health.
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Any new federal program to cover the uninsured must include mental health and substance abuse services as core benefits.
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The federal parity law must be carried forward -- coverage for mental health and substance abuse services must not be subject to more restrictive limits than other conditions.
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Improve coordination between primary care and mental health and addiction services.
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This is urgent in light of findings that people with serious mental health conditions tend to die 25 years earlier due to inadequate treatment for other chronic conditions including diabetes and heart disease.
- Increase access to mental illness and substance abuse prevention services including screenings for children and adolescents and funding for community- and employer-based wellness programs.
Contact your Senators and Representatives:
- Call their offices (find contact info for your local and national offices)
- Complete an Email Your Legislator form with your information at Mental Health America
- Raise these issues at any town hall meetings or other public appearances by these officials in your area.
News & Info
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New Videos Launch of HalfofUs.com »
Heather Matarazzo and Adam Taylor share their stories with Half of Us -
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Serious mental illness rising on college campuses -
Hillels Play Key Role for Students' Emotional Health »
Providing mental health training for Hillel campus professionals
Spotlight
The Half of Us campaign creates music video for hit Asher Roth song to promote healthy ways of coping with stress.
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