Best Western Premier Park Hotel, Madison

CONTACT: Jamie Gurgul
(608) 268-6000
[email protected]

MADISON, Wis. (April 24th, 2018) – On Thursday, May 3, mental health advocates from across the state of Wisconsin will gather at the State Capitol for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wisconsin’s Action on the Square, a mental health advocacy day.

Action on the Square is an opportunity to address challenges and inform policymakers of gaps in the mental health system, while also celebrating the many successes and strides that NAMI advocates have created. Lawmakers will gain a better understanding of each unique experience and learn that recovery is truly possible with the right tools.

The event will kick off at 9am at the Best Western Premier Park Hotel with a series of mini workshops where participants will learn about current issues in the mental health system and receive tips for successful meetings with their state representatives. Attendees will then congregate to the Wisconsin State Capitol at 12pm to rally and hear from inspiring speakers. Afterwards, advocates will then attend their face-to-face meetings with their legislators to explain priority issues and share their personal experiences.

“Statistics show that over 800,000 individuals in Wisconsin alone are experiencing mental illness,” said Nate Schorr, Executive Director of NAMI Wisconsin.

Approximately one in five adults in the United States – 43.8 million – experience mental illness within a given year. Nearly 60% of these adults did not receive proper mental health services within the previous year.

“Although the mental health system has taken some really great strides throughout the last few years, we still have a lot of advocating to do,” said Crystal Hester, Public Policy & Advocacy Director at NAMI Wisconsin.

Advocacy is a pillar of NAMI Wisconsin’s mission. The organization’s strength depends on its grassroots. Only when people show up and speak out can we create a compassionate society that understands recovery and values a strong mental health system.

ABOUT NAMI WISCONSIN

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI Wisconsin and dedicated volunteers work to raise awareness and provide essential advocacy, education, and support group programs for people living with mental illness and their loved ones around the state of Wisconsin.

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