Consumer Advocate Network DC

PSA

“Mental health is a human right, not a privilege. We must work to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.”

Last Tuesday and Wednesday we partnered up with The National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR) for their Hill Day. CAN and CAN interns had the opportunity to advocate side-by-side with NCMHR members, many of which have lived experience.

We spent time talking to at least 36 congressmen about the importance of a recovery focused mental health system lead by people with lived experience. Additionally, we highlighted the continued creation of voluntary and peer run alternatives to hospitalizations, such as community-based respites. The saying “Nothing About Us Without Us” is another policy priority we underlined. This priority brings attention to the importance of including individuals with lived experience in the mental health decision making process. Finally, the promotion of racial and social justice is important to diversify the mental health system and ensure equitable access to mental health resources. Protecting the rights of marginalized groups requires that we promote racial and social justice.

More information about these three initiatives and specific legislation can be found .