Regular readers of NAMI Indiana State Essentials will recall coverage of NAMI Indiana's 7th Legislative Meet & Greet event which took place in the rotunda of the State House on January 13, 2009.

NAMI members from across the state participated in the event which included scheduling personal appointments with legislators to discuss issues and legislation of interest to persons affected by mental illness, personally greeting legislators as they entered and exited the building and presenting them with educational information on the topic of mental illness and public policy.

Governmental policy issues have tremendous impact on the lives of individuals affected by mental illness. NAMI Indiana and local NAMI affiliates, working in conjunction with governmental partners such as the Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addictions and advocacy partners such as Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis work to make sure that our legislators have the educational resources to understand the sometimes complex issue of mental illness so they can sponsor and pass appropriate legislation when needed.

This legislative session was driven primarily by economic issues, so our primary legislative objective, elimination of death penalty for persons with mental illness, did not reach the floor. However, NAMI and all of its partners will be back next session to promote the interest of Hoosiers affected by mental illness during the next session.

If you would like to participate in upcoming NAMI Indiana public policy activities, please contact NAMI Indiana Executive Director Pamela McConey at pmcconey@nami.org.