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Public Policy

Stay Informed. Take action.

NAMI Michigan encourages everyone affected by mental illness to stay informed about current policies related to mental health at both the national and state level. We also promote advocacy in many areas, such as education, providing support, and fighting stigma.  NAMI advocates can make a difference by helping to change and improve the system for those affected by mental illnesses. NAMI has a board member assigned to public policy and advocacy.

NAMI Michigan also encourages everyone to become informed and participate in this year’s state election. Read the following for more information about the 2018 election:


CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN MICHIGAN


There are some important questions to ask in the process of registering to vote.


To learn more about the public policy issues that affect persons coping with mental health illnesses and their loved ones, and how NAMI is providing a strong voice on these issues, visit the following sites:


Please read NAMI’s report: State Mental Health Legislation 2015: Trends, Themes and Effective Practices for more information on what our state is doing to support mental illness. This report highlights the good and bad news in states’ approaches to mental health.

  • National Public Policy Issues – Public policy makes a difference in the lives of both the people living with mental health conditions and the people in their lives. Changes in policy can mean better outcomes. Our advocacy efforts have led to many victories including:
    • Securing better funding for research.
    • Protecting access to treatments and services.
    • Attaining mental health parity to ensure that mental illness is treated equally to physical illness in most insurance plans.

But we still have work to do, and we need your help. Learn about mental health advocacy. Talk to your neighbors, friends and family about why these issues are important. Find out how you can get involved with your local NAMI’s advocacy efforts.

To learn more about NAMI’s stance on advocacy and public policy issues that affect adults and children living with mental illness and their families, read the NAMI Public Policy Platform.


Michigan Government Links: Connects you to your state government legislature where you will be able to find your Michigan representatives in the House and Senate and  in addition to bills that have been introduced and bills that are being introduced.


How can you advocate for mental illness?

  • Volunteer some of your time
  • Write your legislator and tell him/her how you feel about mental health issues coming before the legislature.