“We’re tired of waiting,” chanted an overflow crowd of mental health advocates on Mental Health Day at the Capitol on March 15. More than 500 people, including NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) members joined in the rally to call on legislators to make mental health care services equal to those provided for physical care.
The mandate of mental health parity remains far from a reality according to mental health advocates. Long waiting lists, lack of crisis response and school-linked mental health services, shortages of psychiatrists, psychologists, residential treatment, affordable supportive housing, employment programs and more remain commonplace.
In related news, NAMI Minnesota will hold a free, interactive workshop that provides families and individuals with information on mental illnesses, practical coping strategies, and hope for recovery.
The workshop will be held in Minneapolis at Hennepin County Medical Center, 716 South 7th Street, Red Skyway to Popkin Family Resource Center, on Saturday, April 28, from 9 am to 3 pm. For information or to register call 651-645-2948 or see “classes” at namihelps.org.
— Information provided by NAMI Minnesota.
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.