Thousands to Join #Act4MentalHealth Social Media Campaign to Urge Congress to Pass Mental Health Legislation

Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, VA Senator Creigh Deeds, Other Mental Health Advocates To Participate In NAMI's "National Day Of Action For Mental Health"

News provided by

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Aug 26, 2014, 01:41 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, today announced that it will launch a National Day of Action for Mental Health on Thursday, September 4^th during its annual convention in Washington, DC. As part of the National Day of Action, conference attendees will visit Capitol Hill offices to urge legislators to pass comprehensive mental health reform legislation. The theme of the convention, which will be held from Sept. 3-6 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, is "Advocates for Change: From Dialogue to Action."

"It has now been two years since the tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary school and we continue to see reminders everywhere of the critical need to address mental health reform in this country," said NAMI Executive Director Mary Giliberti. "While there has been dialogue and some progress since the White House's Conference on Mental Health last year, the country and those living with mental illness are still waiting on Congress to act. The National Day of Action provides the opportunity for mental health advocates in Washington and around the country to make their voices heard and urge Congress to pass comprehensive mental health legislation."

What: NAMI National Day of Action for Mental Health

When: Thursday, September 4^th
Event to be held as part of NAMI national convention, Sept. 3-6
Opening session begins at 8:00 AM

Where: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
Washington, DC
Virtual participants via #Act4MentalHealth

Who: Speakers to include:
Rep. Patrick Kennedy, former Member of Congress
Sen. Creigh Deeds, Virginia state senator

For the full roster of speakers, speaker bios and the full conference program, click here.

About NAMI
Mental illness affects everyone. Nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year. Regardless of race, age, religion or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults and one in 10 children across the United States. People living with mental illness need help and hope: they need a community that supports them, their families and their recovery.

Because mental illness devastates the lives of so many Americans, NAMI works every day to save every life.

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100216/NAMILOGO

SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness