Advocacy: Ongoing Issues

Many of the issues facing mental health and the treatment of mental illnesses are created or worsened by the stigma of mental illness.  One of MHA-A's highest priorities is to fight that irrational stigma to allow fair consideration of funding and facilities for the treatment of those with mental illnesses and mental disabilities, and to promote the allocation of funding to promote good mental health.

National Issues:

 The best look at ongoing national issues affecting mental health and mental illness are explained through the national associations involved.

• Mental Health America Action Alerts
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Policy News & Alerts
• Mental Health Advocacy Coalition

Virginia Issues

Although the Virginia Legislature is past amendments to budgets, it is important to monitor both legislative and executive branch decisions coming out of Richmond.

MHA-A was a major player in the recent and successful fight to keep the Commonwealth Center for Children & Adolescents in Staunton open, despite strong efforts by the executive branch to close it.   The organization tirelessly advocates for increased funding for treatment of the mentally ill in Virginia, and for expansion of the state's limited facilities and programs.

As an example of the MHA-A's effort it helped frame a strong statement by the Mental Health Coalition in late 2010 that was sent to all area legislators and others.  MHA-A is an active member of the Coalition, a group of professionals and organizations involved in mental health, mental illness and substance abuse issues in the central Shenandoah Valley area.

• Mental Health America-Virginia Activities Blog
• National Alliance on Mental Illness-Virginia
  • Legislative Action Center
  • Legislative Issues & Priorities
• Virginia Association of Community Services Boards Advocacy Center

Local Issues

MHA-A also monitors action by local county and city governments relative to mental health and mental illness.  A few years ago the organization helped rally support for a housing facility built by the Valley Area Community Support Inc. for those with mental health issues.  The facility was built and opened successfully.

MHA-A also works with local governments to gather official proclamations of May as Mental Health Month.  Such activities promote the ideas of good mental health and build relationships with leaders that later benefit efforts to lobby for state funding for local facilities and other issues.