Our advocacy engine is fueled by the energy of our local advocates and allies and their passion for change. Our grassroots organizing builds and strengthens partnerships between our team and like-minded individuals, collaborative groups, coalitions, law and policymakers, and practitioners. We will work with anyone who wants to be part of the fight for better treatment accessibility, options, and opportunities for those affected by SMI.
Get active on legislation in your state
Our advocacy team tracks legislation in each state and at the federal level that can impact the lives of those affected by SMI. We follow bills on treatment laws and criteria, funding, beds and infrastructure projects, criminal legal reforms, or any other subjects that have the potential to help or harm our constituents. Our action center makes it easy to sign up for campaigns, get information on bills in your state, locate your representatives at all levels, and reach out to those in power to make your voice heard.
Connect with other advocates
If you’re interested in getting in touch with other local advocates or want to get involved with national campaigns on subjects you’re passionate about, we can help! We’re working on organizing state SMI advocacy networks to work together on issues of mutual importance and develop relationships that can shape the future of reform where you live. And while most SMI is governed by state laws, we are also working to organize campaigns on national issues (like IMD repeal, HIPAA reform efforts, and federal legislation). We maximize our impact by working together!
Get up to date with our advocacy newsletter
At any given time, there may be dozens of bills being considered across the country affecting treatment for people with SMI. An easy way to stay in the loop is to sign up for our quarterly advocacy newsletter, “SMI Advocate.” See what’s going on with priority legislation and get an idea of state, regional, and national trends. Check out our archive of past issues to learn what bills your state has considered recently and which lawmakers were involved. Signing up for future issues ensures that you won’t miss your chance to get involved.