Washington, D.C. – May 1, 2010 – In recognition of National Mental Health Month, Women In Government, a national, bi-partisan, non-profit organization representing women state legislators has released a Mental Health Legislative Toolkit. This Toolkit is designed to provide state legislators with the essential tools necessary to promote legislation and educate their constituents on the various issues surrounding mental health, including education and treatment.
Last year, Women In Government hosted its Second Annual Mental Health Task Force. State legislators from across the country gathered in National Harbor, Maryland, to discuss issues of mutual concern. During this meeting, our legislators produced Task Force Recommendations that included:
- Supporting mental health programs aimed at workforce development and the need for sustainable, long-term funding;
- Collecting data and outcome measurements to strengthen current mental health programs and justify ongoing financial support;
- Reducing incarceration of the mentally ill;
- Collaborating among mental healthcare providers and insurers to assess the current state of mental health policies; and
- Promoting innovation and excellence in mental healthcare by funding pilot programs that educate constituents on mental health.
Women In Government's new legislative toolkit will highlight pertinent background information on mental health and engage policymakers on this important issue. State legislators can play a vital role in supporting mental health initiatives that improve access to mental health services and meet the needs of an individual patient. The Mental Health Legislative Toolkit includes fact sheets, frequently asked questions, sample legislation, and other resources to assist legislators with outreach efforts to educate their constituents on mental health education and treatment efforts.
To access the Mental Health Legislative Toolkit, click here. An electronic version (compact disc) of this toolkit will be available in May. For more information regarding this Toolkit, please contact Heather Boyd, Senior Policy Associate, at hboyd@womeningovernment.org or 202-333-0825 ext. 217.
About Women In Government
Women In Government Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, bi-partisan organization of all female state legislators across the country which provides educational resources, expert forums, networking and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.womeningovernment.org.
