Change how decision makers support people with mental health conditions. Join NAMI Delaware on our mission to advocate for improved mental health.
Public policy makes a difference in the lives of both the people living with mental health conditions and the people in their lives. Changes in policy can mean better outcomes. Our advocacy efforts:
- Securing better funding for research.
- Protecting access to treatments and services.
- Fighting for mental health parity to ensure that mental illness is treated equally to physical illness in insurance plans.
If you would like assistance and believe NAMI Delaware can advocate for you, please call us at (888) 427-2643.
You can get involved by contacting your national or state elected officials. Below are links to help you find those serving your area.
GET INVOLVED
Contact elected officials
You can get involved by contacting your national or state elected officials. Below are links to help you find those serving your area.
Support current priorities
Download our full NAMI Delaware’s 2023 Policy Priorities brief.
Tell your story
NAMI’s advocacy is powered by the personal stories of advocates. Share yours today.
OVERCOMING BARRIERS
NAMI Delaware understands reaching and sustaining recovery from mental illness requires overcoming the barriers that exist in Delaware, including:
- Insufficient spectrum of services that are disjointed and operate in silos
- Lack of community awareness of resources and services available
- Workforce shortages of provider, prescriber, and treatment professionals
- Lack of facilities and services offering admission to individuals with complex needs
- Delay in access to beds that often results in extensive wait time in ERs or being sent home
- Challenges with transition from youth to adult services
- Limited crisis services, transport, and response options
- Underrepresented populations lack culturally competent providers
- Limited support and information for family/caregivers
- Limited access to safe, affordable housing for individuals with mental illness
OUR ADVOCACY INCLUDES THESE POLICY PRIORITIES:
1. Access to Effective and Appropriate Treatment
People with mental illness should have timely access to clinically appropriate medications and evidence-based treatments.
2. Timely, Appropriate Crisis Services
Individuals experiencing mental health crises deserve access to timely, competent, and compassionate medical care during a psychiatric emergency.
3. Partnership without Reliance on Law Enforcement
Systems for community mental health and crisis response should provide equitable access and quality across the continuum of care, removing reliance on the criminal justice system.
4. Family Involvement in Treatment
Family members are a central resource in the treatment of children and adults living with serious mental illnesses and should be an integral part of facilitating mutually agreed upon treatment team goals, using their unique knowledge of and relationship with the individual to create better outcomes.
5. Array of Services and Supports for All Ages
Youth and adults living with mental illness should have access to an array of culturally competent treatment, services, and supports that include evidence-based interventions and promote resiliency and recovery.
