People with Psychiatric Histories Host "People's Alternatives Conference" in DC 7/30-8/3/18

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- People with lived experience of mental health (MH) issues are demonstrating an empowered, independent voice in Washington, DC, this week (July 30-Aug 3) by conducting their movement's 33rd annual National Alternatives Conference for the first time without Federal support.

Building on the theme of their movement for social justice—"Nothing about us without us"—the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR), which was founded and is run by persons with psychiatric disabilities, is hosting this conference at Catholic University of America. The conference theme is "On Our Own, Transforming the Future Together."

Conference chair Anthony Fox, from Tennessee, said, "We are proud to have Bruce Darling of the cross-disability group ADAPT teach advocacy skills to our participants." Members of ADAPT, many in wheelchairs, chained themselves to the White House fence in their protest of cuts to the Affordable Care Act.

NCMHR president Daniel Fisher, MD, PhD, said, "For too long, parents and providers have spoken for us in DC. This week marks a new chapter in the lives of people labeled with mental health issues. At this People's Alternatives, we will speak for ourselves. This week we will make our voices directly heard in the Capital."

Mr. Fox added, "We want to strengthen our voice in formation of national mental health policies; create more alternatives to incarceration in psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, jails and prisons; and protect our civil and human rights." 

The NCMHR, consisting of member organizations in 27 states and the District of Columbia, proudly joined 14 other disability rights groups run by persons with disabilities as a founding member of the National Disability Leadership Alliance. For further information visit www.alternatives-conference.org or contact Daniel Fisher at 617-504-0832 and [email protected]

Contact: Daniel Fisher, 617-504-0832 and [email protected]

SOURCE National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery

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