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STATE ESSENTIALS
NAMI News for Hoosiers Volume 1, Issue 7
Legislative Meet & Greet
January 13, 2009
8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

State House
 
Since 2003, members and friends of NAMI Indiana have come together at the Rotunda of the Indiana State Capital to share insights and perspectives on mental illness with legislators.

Our elected officials are frequently asked to consider issues that involve mental illness, so having the personal perspective of persons with mental illness, family members or professionals helps them to better act in our interest.

Participating in the Legislative Meet & Greet is easy. Here's how you can take part:
  • Gather your thoughts. What topics related to mental illness are important to you? Jot some notes about the key points you hope to share. Legislators want to hear from their constituents, but they're also busy, so it helps to be prepared.
  • If you would like additional help or guidance, call the NAMI Indiana office at 800-677-6442.
  • Make an appointment with your legislator to meet at the NAMI area in the Rotunda at a specific time. You can find contact information for your legislators by CLICKING HERE.
  • Review the 2009 NAMI Indiana Legislative Talking Points by CLICKING HERE.
 By participating in the NAMI Indiana Legislative Meet & Greet, you are helping improve lives of Hoosiers affected by mental illness. Thank you!


namiindiana.org

NAMI Indiana's official web site is an excellent source of information about topics concerning Hoosiers affected by mental illness, NAMI programs, and other valuable resources.

Right now, you'll find an online version of NAMI Indiana's public awareness video.

CLICK HERE to visit the NAMI Indiana web site now.
Greetings! 
Happy New Year! 2009 promises to be a positive year for persons affected by mental illness. With the recent passage of the mental health parity legislation and increased discussion of universal health coverage, there is hope. However, at every step of the way toward improving the lives of persons with mental illness, it is critical that we all continue to support NAMI's important education, advocacy and support programs. Stay tuned for your bi-weekly edition of STATE Essentials for information on how you can participate.

Remember, you can always reach the NAMI Indiana team by phone at (317) 925-9399 or (800) 677-6442 during business hours. Our website, www.namiindiana.org is always available. We look forward to hearing from you!
Every Month for January
Legislative Meet & Greet

Dr. Frederic Frese 
Have you heard about NAMI Indiana's initiative asking members and friends to fulfill the promise: "Every Month I Improve Lives of Hoosiers Affected by Mental Illness"? NAMI Indiana's Legislative Meet & Greet event presents an excellent opportunity to make a difference in January.

Over time, many NAMI Indiana members and friends have experienced difficulty in obtaining timely mental health services from qualified providers for themselves or loved ones. Now, there is a venue where interested parties can have an impact of the availability of mental health treatment service in Indiana: The NAMI Indiana Legislative Meet & Greet event on January 13, 2009 from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

As described in the left column, the Meet & Greet event brings individuals affected by mental illness into direct personal contact with legislators who directly influence state policies regarding services for Hoosiers affected by mental illness.

Sometimes, such a meeting can seem intimidating. However, NAMI Indiana has assembled resources to make meeting with representatives easy and stress-free. If you want to improve the lives of Hoosiers affected by mental illness but you've never participated in the NAMI Indiana Meet & Greet event and want to learn more, you can call the NAMI Indiana office at 800-677-6442 for support.

NAMI Indiana can provide "partner assistance" for individuals who may feel uncomfortable speaking individually with a legislator. Your "partner" will help facilitate the conversation with the legislator to ensure that your viewpoints are understood.

When you decide to participate, schedule an appointment with your legislators for January 13 in advance. If you would like assistance in identifying your legislator or scheduling an appointment, please feel free to call the NAMI Indiana office at 800-677-6442.

Lives of Hoosiers will be positively impacted by your participation in this event. Even if you've never participated in the political process before, NOW is the time and THIS is the place to make a difference in the month of January.
Another Way to Make a Difference
Every Month
Another popular way to insure the you're making a difference in the lives of persons affected by mental Illness EVERY MONTH is to register for NAMI Indiana's recurring monthly donation program.

Since we introduced this opion in late 2008, may members and friends have stepped forward to participate in the program. The dollar amounts range from $3.00 per month to over $10 a month.

All dollars go directly to the steadily increasing demand for NAMI Indiana's services and programs, such  Legislative Meet & Greet, State Conference and many others.

By CLICKING HERE, you can participate immediately in this important program. You'll be glad you did!