Georgia Behavioral Health Legislative Caucus for The Council of State Governments Georgia Behavioral Health Legislative Caucus for The Council of State Governments GGGG eeee oooo rrrr gggg iiii aaaa B B B B eeee hhhh aaaa vvvv iiii oooo rrrr aaaa llll HHHH eeee aaaa llll tttt hhhh LLLL eeee gggg iiii ssss llll aaaa tttt iiii vvvv eeee C C C C aaaa uuuu cccc uuuu ssss ffff oooo rrrr T T T T hhhh eeee C C C C oooo uuuu nnnn cccc iiii llll o o o o ffff S S S S tttt aaaa tttt eeee G G G G oooo vvvv eeee rrrr nnnn mmmm eeee nnnn tttt ssss

Mental health care in America is in crisis. The nation’s mental health care system gets a dismal D. As the nation confronts a severe economic crisis, demand for mental health services is increasing -- but state budget cuts are creating a vicious cycle that is leaving some of our most vulnerable citizens behind. We must move forward, not retreat. Georgians with mental illness, like those in 27 other states need HELP!

Myth: “Young people and children don’t suffer from mental health problems.” Fact: It is estimated that more than 6 million young people in America may suffer from a mental health disorder that severely disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, or in their community Myth: “People who need psychiatric care should be locked away in institutions.” Fact: Today, most people can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of supports, programs, and/or medications. Myth: “A person who has had a mental illness can never be normal.” Fact: People with mental illnesses can recover and resume normal activities. For example, Mike Wallace of “60 Minutes”, who has clinical depression, has received treatment and today leads an enriched and accomplished life Myth: “Mentally ill persons are dangerous.” Fact: The vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. In the cases when violence does occur, the incidence typically results from the same reasons as with the general public such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs. - Mental Health America Common Misconceptions About Mental Illness Why educate Legislators?

Educate about affect of BH needs and resources in state & local communities Learn about size and scope of BH spending in state institutions Keep Legislators aware of current problems and trends Co-ordinate Legislators activities Plant seeds for structural, budgetary or legislative changes Build base of awareness and support for BH issues Why A BH Legislative Caucus?

Don’t assume we know anything about BH resources in the state or their communities Challenge legislators, do not overwhelm. Digestible portions. Be prepared to drag and cajole them. Employ Legislators’ constituents to encourage their participation. Create understanding of local and state need for their attention to BH issues Give us talking points and white papers to allow us to understand and communicate. Legislators’ Perspective

Choose Legislators with PASSION for BH y.jpg Rep. Mark Butler and Senator Johnny Grant

Gray Matters Behavioral Health Legislative Caucus GETTING STARTED Choose a member of the House and Senate to host Involve all stakeholders-engage grassroots Save the date and invitations Plan priorities & practice Practice

STAKEHOLDERS Planning the Events Small chunks/Agree on priorities Plan 3 talking points and theme Decide who will speak. Mix up stakeholders Coordinate presentations and practice Invite formally and at grassroots --educate, eradicate stigma, advocate

GRAY MATTERS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS PRIORITIES 2010 Georgia is ranked 46th in spending for behavioral health services.Georgians cannot afford to continue paying the high cost of failure—of pouring money into incarceration, homelessness, and state hospitals that are under a DOJ investigation—while spending little to provide cost-effective community-based services that promote recovery. A new Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities was passed during the Session Thank you. Now let’s make sure it is effective!Invest in effective TREATMENT. Fund Behavioral Health at a level that will bring Georgia up to the national average. Focus spending on programs that work! * Case Management* Supportive Employment* Supported Housing Treatment Works IF You Can Get It! Georgia On My Mind.

Lessons Learned Know the stakeholders & their roles Make Caucus a convenient time and place Be organized and succinct Form relationships at grassroots Communicate consistently and often

WISDOM IS KNOWING WHAT TO DO NEXT; VIRTUE IS DOING IT.

20 Text Those in a mental health crisis are flooding our Emergency Rooms.

Treatment Not Jail. Educate your legislators...they make our laws.

Homelessness. “treatment works IF you can get it” To RECOVER one must have a safe place to call home.

Presented for The Council of State Governments session by: Senator Johnny Grant, GA 25th District and Nora Lott Haynes, NAMI Public Policy Director namiga.orga.org