Advocate for Suicide Prevention | United to Support Women

ADVOCATE

Mental Health Awareness Advocacy Campaigns

We inspire and advocate for legislation that focuses on mental health related laws, polices, and regulations.

ADVOCAY FOR MENTAL HEALTH Reform Matters

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 1 in 5 Americans are affected by mental health conditions. With the right care, recovery is possible. But, most people are being denied the care they need because America’s mental health system is broken. Here are the alarming facts:

America’s suicide rate is twice the rate of homicides and the highest it’s been in 30 years.
Mental health conditions strike in the heart of childhood with 50% beginning by age 14.
Half of Americans with mental illness did not get any mental health care in the past year.
Mental health care is unfairly restricted by many health insurance plans. Know Your Rights: Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits
Mental health care is unfairly restricted by many health insurance plans.Know Your Rights: Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits

Legislation and resources are needed, and needed now, to help improve this desperate situation for millions of Americans in need of treatment and their families.

Policy change is one major way to make a difference in the lives of people living with mental health conditions, and the people in their lives. Policy reform can mean better outcomes:

Focusing programs and resources on psychiatric care for patients and families most in need of services.
Improving the nation’s mental health system by realigning federal policy and funding to better support effective treatment for mental health and substance use conditions.
Combating suicide in our schools and communities.
Investing in early intervention, so children get the right mental health care at the right time and live healthy lives.
Improving access to mental health care by increasing the number of mental health professionals.
Holding health insurance plans accountable for covering mental health fairly.

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How Do I Get Involved?

Our advocacy campaigns educate women and the general public on new suicide prevention laws, policies and regulations.

Working independently and closely with various suicide prevention advocacy groups, we volunteer to educate state and local leaders and communities about suicide prevention and mental health illness – we encourage women to volunteer as well. Also, we participate in initiatives that lead to the resolution of mental health biases, social and self-stigma challenges, and physical, verbal, and emotional bullying.

Please contact us for additional information or register for an upcoming advocacy campaign. Volunteer as a Field Advocate for Suicide Prevention and let us know that you joined the movement!

Contact

4 Reasons To Become a Suicide Prevention Advocate

MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE:

Provide hope, help, and support to those living with mental health challenges.

Learn and speak out:

Learn and speak out: Learn about current challenges to the mental health care system and lend your voice.

Help shape laws:

Help policymakers understand the realities of the mental health care system for individuals living with a mental illness and their families.

Help your community:

Help eliminate stigma and improve access and treatment in your local community.

Current Bills Awaiting Passage by the U.S. Congress

The Mental Health Justice Act (H.R.1368/S.515), to support mental health professional responses to individuals in mental health crises.
The Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act (H.R.1324/S.467), to support suicide prevention resources in emergency department settings.
The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (H.R.1475), to address racial disparities in mental health coverage and increasing suicide rates among minority youth.