Mental Health for US Coalition
A coalition called Mental Health for US has launched ahead of the 2020 election season. It includes eight the nations most prominent mental health and addiction organizations. This landmark bipartisan initiative was formed to elevate mental health and addiction in policy conversations during the 2020 election season.
Let me hit you with some quick stats on mental health:
- one in five Americans live with mental illness
- one in twelve Americans live with addiction
- in 2017, 70,237 Americans died from a drug overdose
- 17 veterans die by suicide daily
- more than 46% of homeless adults in the U.S. live with severe mental illness
Mental Health for US is a nonpartisan initiative focused on elevating mental health and addiction in policy conversations by empowering grassroots advocates and improving candidate and policymaker health literacy. The initiative is powered by a coalition of stakeholder groups from around the country dedicated to uniting the American people to make systemic, long-term change with civic engagement tools and resources.
Mental Health for US is working to educate the public on just how severe the mental health crisis is in America. They hope to be a "catalyst in effectively and holistically addressing mental health and addiction to reduce suicide and overdose deaths".
The movement launched at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's 10th Annual Advocacy Forum by former U.S. Representative and co-chair of the Mental Health for US initiative Patrick J. Kennedy. (D-R.I.) Former U.S. Senator Gordon H. Smith, (R-O.R.) a long time mental health advocate, will serve as co-chair.
"Nationwide, families are being ripped apart by deaths or despair from suicide and overdoses. This election cycle, as all eyes are on policymakers, we want to unite the American people in demanding legislative action from our government to adequately address the worst public health crisis of our time."-Rep. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum
"The suicide rate has skyrocketed over the past twenty years because mental health and substance abuse disorders often go undetected and untreated. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in America. Now, more than ever, we need our government leaders to stand up and champion systemic change. We have to make our voices heard". -Senator Gordon H. Smith
Mental Health for US provided all Presidential candidates with the opportunity to get their stance on mental health care on the record by responding to a mental health and addiction survey. Their responses have been published on the Mental Health for US website, and it was also noted if they haven't yet responded.
Also on their website is a "voter toolkit" which contains tips on how to amplify your voice online, raise awareness within your community and engage policy makers. You can also find a style guide, graphics, posters, logos and fonts to create material to distribute throughout your community.
Voters are encouraged to sign a statement of support to join Mental Health for US. You can also participate by sharing your story, handing out resources and tools to engage the public and by attending events. The first events will take place in Iowa and New Hampshire in the fall of 2020.
When talking about Mental Health for US use the hashtag #MentalHealthforUS
I think that this is an exciting initiative. Anything we as a country can do to engage the Presidential candidates, policy makers and citizens of America in a conversation about mental health and substance abuse should be done. Changing our views and updating our nations policies pertaining to mental health and substance abuse would be good for you, me and the country.
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