NAMI Mass Releases Results of Survey on Mental Health Attitudes; Calls on Governor-elect to Make Mental Health a Priority in his Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2014

BOSTON, MA – The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Massachusetts chapter (NAMI Mass) today released the results of its statewide survey on mental health attitudes, which finds that one in five people in Massachusetts say they have or have had a mental illness, and 82 percent do not believe people with mental illnesses receive the treatment they need.

“The results of our survey clearly demonstrate that a more effective mental health policy deserves to be atthe top of the new governor’s agenda,” saidStephen Rosenfeld, president of the NAMI Mass board of directors.

Rosenfeld addressed news media in Boston this morning while NAMI Mass Executive Director Laurie Martinelli held a simultaneous news conference in Agawam to release the news to Western Massachusetts media.

NAMI Mass commissioned Marttila Strategies to conduct the survey of 800 Massachusetts voters earlier this year. This was the first statewide survey on mental health attitudes conducted in several years and offered insight into an issue which is rarely polled, even though 54 percent of voters say someone in their family currently has or has had a mental illness.

“These results break new ground in terms of how people feel about mental health,” said John Marttila, president of Marttila Strategies. “People are more knowledgeable about this issue than many might think. The hope is that Governor-elect Baker, with his experience, will bring a lot of understanding to this issue.”

NAMI Mass drafted a five-point plan for making mental health a priority of the Baker Administration’s first 100 days. That plan was shared with the governor’s team in advance of today’s press conferences.

It calls on the Governor-elect to:

  • Create a Mental Health and Addiction Transition Committee of proven, effective, credible advocates and experts to propose a multi-year policy action plan for consideration.
  • Devote a portion of the inaugural address to improving mental health and addiction services during histenure, thereby accepting ownership of the challenge, and announcing actions he will take in his first 100 days.
  • Use his first budget submission in January 2015 to outline what he believes are the necessary steps to fix mental health and addiction policy, and propose sufficient funding to get the ball rolling.

“The Governor is the most important player in terms of mental health policy in the state,” said Rosenfeld. “So, we are looking for a broad commitment on the part of his administration to make this a priority. We believe if we can work together, we can improve the lives of people with mental illness.”

Media can download the entire policy plan and survey results at

Media Contact:

Matt Ellis

Ellis Strategies, Inc.

| 617-278-6560

About NAMI:

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 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 raising awareness and building a community of hope for all of those in need. From its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Financial contributions allow NAMI to offer an array of programs, initiatives and activities in support of the NAMI mission.

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