2013 Legislative Priorities

Fact Sheets and Priorities - Featured at Mental Health America's 2013 Annual Conference: Capitol Hill/Advocacy Day

Background

With the increased awareness of mental health issues in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy and the fiscal negotiations that threaten to cut discretionary funding to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and other key agency programs such as housing and education, MHA continues to advocate for increased funding for important mental health programs, including preserving Medicaid and legislation that expands mental health and substance use services and supports.

The following fact sheets were integral to MHA's advocacy efforts during our June 2013 Capitol Hill Day and could be utilized in other future efforts, including visits with your Members of Congress over the summer Congressional Recess. These priorities are also likely to be addressed in a joint September Capitol Hill Day with the National Council and other mental health organizations.

2013 Legislative Priority Fact Sheets

• Federal Appropriations for Mental Health Services and Supports
• Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 689)
• Mental Health in Schools Act (S. 195/H.R. 628)
• Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act of 2013 (S. 162/H.R. 401)
• Youth PROMISE Act (H.R. 1318)
• Excellence in Mental Health Act (S. 264/H.R. 1263)
• Keeping All Students Safe Act (H.R. 1893)
• Children's Recovery from Trauma Act (S. 380)
• Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2013 (S. 116) 
• Mental Health First Aid Act (S. 153/H.R. 274)
  

Training for Successful Federal and State Advocacy

Read our advocacy guide (PDF) and resources on how to best communicate with your legislators. Read our Eight Tips for a Successful Lobby Visit. You can also download the slides from our Capitol Hill Day training webinar from June 2013.