Testimony update – June, 2021

NAMI Mass supplied written testimony in opposition to

H.1888/S.926, An Act relative to strengthening the penalty for assault or assault and battery on an emergency medical technician, ambulance operator, ambulance attendant or health care provider

It is NAMI Mass’ position that increasing the penalty from 90 days to two and one-half years for incidents that may happen while an individual is in crisis, agitated or dysregulated exacerbates the existing problems of treating mental illness as a crime and would increase the number of individuals in prison due to mental illness.

Read the full testimony here.

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NAMI Mass supplied written testimony in support of

S.1257/H.2090 An Act establishing a special commission to study and report on the history of state institutions for people with developmental and mental health disabilities in the Commonwealth

NAMI Mass supports establishing a commission to study and report on the history of state institutions. It is important to give voice to those who lived and died in these facilities and the documenting our past helps keep us honest in the present.

Read the full testimony here.

Catch the replay of the full hearing

NAMI Mass supplied testimony on several bills at this hearing

• • • Our high priority bill S.1283/H.2089 An Act to ensure the constitutional rights and human dignity of prisoners on mental health watchIn response to the Department of Justice report on the extreme mistreatment of individuals on mental health watch, NAMI Mass supports this bill which will ensure those on  mental health watch are treated humanely and receive any necessary treatment.

   

  • S.1267/H.2063 An Act transferring Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental HealthNAMI Mass has long supported improving conditions at Bridgewater State Hospital and continues to advocate for ensuring those with behavioral health conditions are treated compassionately. 
  • H.2121 An Act relative to assisted outpatient therapyNAMI Mass has a deep understanding of the concerns of both family members and of the peers in our community. Individuals subjected to involuntary treatment are often traumatized and evidence that AOT provides the moment when individuals connect with their path to recovery is murky at best. However, we must do something to help those families with a loved one in obvious distress but unable to engage. Our testimony requests that this legislation be modified to support a non-coercive, relentless outreach approach, that is peer-led and person centered. We hope the legislature will consider solving this problem in a modern and humane way that honors the experience of peers and family members.

  Read the full testimony here

  Watch the replay

• July 14, 2021 – Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

H. 2519/S.1552 An Act To Create Alternatives For Community Emergency Services (Aces)

• July 19, 2021– Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

S.1274/H.2081 An Act to better coordinate suicide prevention services, behavioral health crisis care and emergency services through 988 implementation