NAMI Oak Ridge, Tennessee
NAMI Oak Ridge: 865-466-1234
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.
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!
DAY ON THE HILL 2024 TENNESSEE IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 6th 2024.
Many of our lawmakers at the state Capitol are brand new to the job this year. And many don’t know the ins and outs of having a mental illness and navigating the system.
Learn how to take YOUR mental health journey and make it into a story that can educate lawmakers during the 2023 Tennessee General Assembly.
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!
Want action alerts on important issues? Sign up now for text messages on actions you can take! Text NAMITN to 82608 and get signed up!
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.