1. NAMI Ohio’s Quest to Ensure Access to Mental Health Medications By Betsy Johnson

2. We partnered with pharmaceutical companies.

3. Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Association of Ohio American Academy of Pediatrics - Ohio Chapter Buckeye Art Therapy Association, Inc. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Ohio District 1199 SEIU - AFL/CIO Family Service Council of Ohio US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Mental Health Advocacy Coalition Mental Health America Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence NAMI Ohio National Association of Social Workers - Ohio Chapter Ohio Advocates for Mental Health Ohio Alcohol and Drug Policy Alliance Ohio Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare Association Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies Ohio Association of Residential Recovery Services Ohio Citizen Advocates for Chemical Dependency Prevention and Treatment Ohio Council of Behavioral Healthcare Providers Ohio Counseling Association Ohio Federation for Children's Mental Health Ohio Mental Health Counselors Association Ohio Nurses Association Ohio Psychiatric Association Ohio Psychological Association Ohio School Psychologists Association Ohio State Medical Association Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio We partnered with the Coalition for Healthy Communities and created the Access to Medication Crisis Committee.

4. We asked for money and were able to secure $60,000.

5. We agreed on a theme.

6. We agreed on the language to include in the O.R.C.

7. We agreed on a strategy. Develop and disseminate brochure Develop and widely distribute a brochure. Provide advocacy training for consumer and family members Organize a “Day at the Statehouse” for advocates to meet with their legislators Enlist a small group of NAMI members to host events in legislative districts of key lawmakers Hold a Press Conference Hold a Call-In Day to the Governor

8. We developed a brochure.

9. We hosted a training across the street from the Statehouse.

10. NAMI members visited their respective legislators.

11. We dropped off packets and medicine bottles to all legislators.

12. We borrowed 3 virtual hallucination machines from Janssen and set them up at the entrance of the Statehouse.

13. NAMI Affiliates hosted local events.

14. NAMI Ohio Executive Director, Jim Mauro, and other advocates testified before the House and Senate Finance Committees.

15. We engaged the Media. Wrote letters to the editor. Invited media to attend local events. Held a press conference in the Statehouse.

16. We ran into hurdles. Coalition members concerned about interference with budget message. Pharmaceutical companies viewed as big business by key staffers in new Administration. ODJFS estimated provision would cost $47 million largely due to Risperdal going generic and Invega coming on the market. Throughout the process there has been a looming concern that Governor Strickland will veto the language.

17. We’re overcoming the hurdles one at a time. Only one or two to go! House included a provision in it’s version of the budget. Senate included provision in it’s version of the budget. Conference Committee scheduled to meet week of June 18 th. Both Houses to vote on final package. Bill goes to the Governor. Will he sign?

18. Stay tuned. To find out how the story ends, next week, go to: www.namiohio.com

19. Questions?.