PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY




The Mission of the Public Policy Committee is to advance the goals of the NAMI-MASS through public policy initiatives and legislative action. The committee will engage the NAMI membership, the community, public and private entities, and members of the legislature in supporting or opposing legislation that impacts the well being of mentally ill persons.











NAMI Mass Lobby Day April 16th, 2008
A Great Success!

Over 300 NAMI members came to the State House in Boston on Wednesday April 16 to lobby our legislators for their support for current mental health legislation including a
Comprehensive Children's Mental Health Service System. It was a great success!

Please find our NAMI position paper on Children's Mental Health and a recent article from the Lowell Sun regarding NAMI's Lobby Day. 

My thanks to all who supported our Lobby Day efforts.

Laurie Martinelli, Executive Director


>More Lowell Sun: Activists rally for funds to fight children's mental illness


>More NAMI Mass: Improving Children's Mental Health in Massachusetts

Letter to Governor Patrick's Transition Team 2005-2007 Mental Health Plan Massachusetts Department of Mental Health

NAMI-MASS 2008 Legislative Priorities Updated Jan 8, 2008


To find who your legislators are or where to vote go to www.wheredoivotema.com or Call 617-722-2000

How to Write A Letter to the Editor

The State of Mental Health in Massachusetts Report

Testimony by Sid Gelb before the Joint Committee on Mental Health
and Substance Abuse October 1, 2007 in support of House bill
H. 1871 Act Relative to Mental Health Parity sponsored by Rep. Ruth Balser. t


Testimony before the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance
Abuse June 25 2007 in support of House bill H. 1887 Act Relative to
Mental Health Service in MA Correctional Institutions, Houses of
Corrections and Jails sponsored by Rep. Kay Khan

Testimony before the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance
Abuse June 25 2007 in support of House Bill 1896 An Act Relative to
Treatment of Prisoners. Sponsored by Representative Byron Rushing

Testimony by Sid Gelb, Public Policy Chair of NAMI MASS,
before the Judiciary Committee May 8, 2007 in support of House Bill 1313:
“An Act Relative to Confinement Conditions and Treatment of Prisoners With Mental Illness.
Sponsored by Chairwoman Ruth Balser.

Testimony by Sid Gelb, Public Policy Chair of NAMI MASS, before the Judiciary Committee April 10, 2007
in support of House Bill 1314: An Act Providing for Behavioral Science Representation
on the Parole Board Sponsored by Chairwoman Balser.


Testimony for the Committee On Public Safety and Homeland Security,, April 25, 2007
in support of S. 1378 an act relative to training for law enforcement in dealing with individuals
suffering from mental illness sponsored by Senator Creem, Chairman Ruth S. Balser, Robert A. Antonioni,
Edward M. Augustus Jr. and other members of the General Court.


To find who your legislators are or where to vote go to www.wheredoivotema.com Or Call 617-722-2000

Anti-Stigma Event with Dr. Elizabeth Childs - Pictures of September 30th

NAMI Public Policy Platform

Massachusetts Legislature