NAMI Mass Testimony for the Department of Public Health Hearing Concerning Cambridge Health Alliance Inpatient Pediatric Psychiatry Services

May 16, 2013

Testimony for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health– Notice of Public Hearing Concerning Cambridge Health Alliance Inpatient Pediatric Psychiatry Services – 105 CMR 130.122(E). May 8, 2013 My name is Laurie Martinelli, and I am the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI Mass). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services and treatment, and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness for all of those in need. Since our inception in 1979, … read more →

Support Bill H.1805 which would create a commission of stakeholders

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorder Committee Testimony of Laurie Martinelli, Executive Director National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts May 14, 2013 Bill H.1805  Honorable Chairs and Members of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorder Committee: My name is Laurie Martinelli, and I am the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI Mass). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services and treatment, and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness … read more →

Restore 9C Cuts to the FY2013 Mental Health Budget

May 15, 2013 Governor Deval Patrick Office of the Governor State House – Room 280 Boston, MA  02133 Re:  Restore 9C Cuts to the FY2013 Mental Health Budget Dear Governor Patrick: In light of continued strong revenue collections, I am writing on behalf of NAMI Massachusetts to urge you to consider restoring the 9C Cuts to the Mental Health Line Items in the FY2013 budget. Respectfully, I would suggest that restoring funding for services to the mental health community is fiscally responsible and critically necessary. NAMI Massachusetts can appreciate the difficulty of balancing infinite needs with increasingly finite resources during … read more →

10TH ANNUAL STATEWIDE WALK BATTLES MENTAL ILLNESS STIGMA, RAISES CRITICAL FUNDS

April 24, 2013

Attorney General Martha Coakley is Keynote Speaker & Walk participant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2013 Woburn, MA—On Saturday, May 11, thousands of individuals living with mental illness along with family and friends from across the state will gather for the 10th Annual NAMIWalks Massachusetts fundraiser at Artesani Park in Boston (1255 Soldiers Field Road; across from Days Inn). Check-in is at 9:00 a.m.; the program begins at 10:15 a.m. and the Walk starts at 11:00 a.m. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, visit namiwalks.org, click Find a Walk, and select the Massachusetts Walksite. The National Alliance on Mental Illness of … read more →

Resources for Dealing with Trauma in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing

April 17, 2013

In the aftermath of the terrible tragedy that occurred at the Boston Marathon April 15, 2013, we wanted to provide a brief list of resources for talking with children about traumatic events and how to manage your own reactions to trauma. One of the most important things we can do as adults is monitor our own response to these disturbing events. If we practice good self-care and take positive action, we will set a powerful example. If your anxious or “down” feelings don’t go away or are so intense that they interfere with your daily life, seek the help of … read more →

There is still plenty of time to participate in mental health legislative advocacy in Massachusetts

April 9, 2013

If you were unable to attend the 2013 NAMI Massachusetts Advocacy Day, you can still take part in mental health legislative advocacy read more →