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NAMI Advocacy For Change

NAMI advocates to improve the lives of people affected by mental health conditions. From the U.S. Capitol to state legislatures to local city councils, the NAMI Alliance uses the power of lived experience to shape how our country helps people with mental illness.

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NAMI Oak Ridge Advocacy

On November 13, 2023 The Oak Ridger featured an article on the desperate need for state-run mental health services in East Tennessee. Three local senators, Becky Duncan Massey, Richard Briggs and Randy McNally have asked for a study to determine what kind of facilities are needed. Lack of Access to care is among the top three concerns listed by local providers and care partners according to the 2023 Knox County Mental Health Report.

Tennessee NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) is urging the public to contact these senators to reinforce how much these facilities are needed for patients with mental illness whether they are insured by TNCare or Medicare. The hope is that this study will not only focus on the needs that health care providers recognize but will also include conversations with those suffering mental illness as well as their families who are greatly affected by the care that their loved ones receive. See below to learn how you can make a change!

Join our four-week Advocacy Series and in-person Day on the Hill and learn how you can become an advocate for better mental health in Tennessee. Your voice matters!​

FEBRUARY

12

MONDAY

NOON to 1 PM CST

What is Advocacy?

Mental health advocacy is more than talking to lawmakers about laws and funding. It’s also about reaching out to people in your community – school board members, community organizations, hospitals – and speaking up about more access and better services for people with mental illness.

This webinar will teach you what advocacy is and how you can use it to make a difference in a variety of settings to make a difference for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.

This webinar is good for beginners and anyone who’s had previous advocacy training through NAMI Tennessee. The webinar is open to NAMI members and non-members.

Please Register Now as seating is limited.

FEBRUARY

20

TUESDAY

1 PM to 2 PM CST

Telling YOUR Story

This one-hour session will teach you how to create a concise and compelling story that can move the hearts and minds of people who make decisions about mental health funding and policies in your community.

This session is helpful for beginners and can be a good refresher for those who have taken this training previously.

This webinar is open to NAMI members and non-members.
Space is limited so Register Now.

FEBRUARY

27

Tuesday

5 PM to 6 PM CST

2024 Policy Update

Learn the key mental health issues that are under discussion at the Tennessee General Assembly.

This session is beneficial for advocates of all experience levels.

This webinar is open to NAMI members and non-members.
Space is limited so Register Now.

MARCH

6

Wednesday

NAMI Tennessee Day on the Hill

This event is limited to NAMI members only

If you have any questions about this series, please reach out to our Advocacy Consultant, Alisa.

* MEMBERS ONLY *

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