And yet, all these years later, equal coverage continues to remain elusive and people with mental health conditions still face discrimination by their health insurance providers.

 

Sadly, the survey's findings confirm that the issues of inequality which led to the original crafting of the federal parity law are still very much in existence.

NAMI is fighting for equity in mental health care, with policy recommendations that include calling for federal and state-level parity compliance market audits of health plans and improving the availability of mental health care through the following:

The data is indefensible: the inequities for people seeking mental health care are real and when it comes to what we pay, the bottom line is the bill always comes due in one way or another. Without needed mental health care, we will sadly see the costs include homelessness, incarceration, overdoses and suicides. Lives lost. As leaders, as community members, and as a nation, we need to end this discrimination against people with mental illness and provide them with the care they need and deserve.

Listen to the conversation.

To Our NAMI Family,

At this holiday time of year, I am writing to ask you to consider a unique gift request, donating your brain or that of a loved one to science for research on the brain.

 

My sister Lorrie was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in her late teens.  She later developed Parkinson's Disease.  "Normal" (whatever that is) never really returned to the family.  We were welcomed into NAMI New Hampshire (National Alliance On Mental Illness) in its early years.

 

From the beginning we heard of research being done on the brain.  We read the book "The Broken Brain," by Dr. Nancy Adreasen.  We began to hope (and believe) that a way would be found to relieve those suffering from mental illness. 

 

Lorrie died on April 25, 2017 at the age of 69.  We planned from the beginning to donate her brain to brain research.  On hearing the news of her death, there was an instant of shock which instantly turned to relief.  Then, as a result of the donation of her brain, there was (and still is) a sense of Lorrie's presence as the search for a cure continues. 

 

We hope that you will seriously consider making the very important step of donating your brain to this very important cause.  Note: there is a need for "normal brains" as well as those affected by mental illness.  Together, with the professionals, we're making progress that's for sure.  (Note: there is a need for "normal" brain tissue as well as those affected by mental illness)

 

Maggie Hurll

Sister and Co-Guardian of Lorrie E. Brady (1949-2017)

 

Inquiries can be made to:

Joe Manzo, Donation Coordinator
Harvard Brain and Tissue Resource Center
McLean Hospital
115 Mill Street MRC, Mail Stop 138
Belmont  MA 02478
Telephone:  800-272-4622
Alternative number:  617/855-2400

 

There are 3 things that could end up in the final tax bill that hurt people with mental illness:

We can't let this happen. Tax reform shouldn't hurt people with mental illness.

 

Please encourage your friends and family, especially those living in other states, to tell their members of Congress this is one present we don't want this holiday season.

 

Email now.

"My family's firsthand experience with mental illness has underscored how vital it is to always have hope. Joining the Legacy Circle allows me to help ensure that other families will be able to find hope through NAMI NH - for as long as they need it. That's what NAMI NH is about - families helping families and finding hope." (Michele Grennon)

Click below for full job description and application requirements.

Family and Community Support Specialist (Claremont)

Presentation request forms for In Our Own Voice and Life Interrupted speakers are now available online. Click below to to learn about these community presentations, or to request a speaker.

Click here to request an In Our Own Voice speaker.

Click here to request a Life Interrupted speaker.