Today’s new NAMI/Ipsos US poll finds strong public interest in Congress taking decisive action to improve the nation’s ongoing mental health crisis. Learn more at nami.org/fall2023poll.

“It wasn’t that long ago that having a mental illness and talking about it would be a career ender for a politician,” Hannah Wesolowski said. “And now to see the senators open up, share their experience and normalize mental health as health is a game changer.” nbcnews.com/politics/congr…

Such a powerful afternoon talking about teen girls’ mental health. Thank you Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Congresswoman Kathy Manning for focusing on this important topic and for sharing your own stories. I was humbled to be with this amazing panel of women talking about this critical, urgent issue.

NAMI & American Foundation for Suicide Prevention applaud today’s creation of the Senate Mental Health Caucus. Founded by Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Thom Tillis, Joni Ernst & Senator Tina Smith, the caucus will work to find bipartisan, common-sense solutions to address our nation’s ongoing mental health crisis. Learn

Such a powerful day for #mentalhealth advocates!

Every mind matters.🧠 Thrilled to be speaking alongside DafnaMichaelsonJenet, Susan Gurley Anxiety and Depression Association of America and Bob Cusack at this important event hosted by The Hill Events this morning. Learn more here: thehill.com/events/4211656… #TheHillMentalHealth

“We each deserve the opportunity to get the care that leads to healthy and fulfilling lives. Right now, not everyone receives that opportunity.” - Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski at the The Kennedy Forum Alignment for Progress Conference

Mental health is essential health. Thankful for our partner’s at The Kennedy Forum, and proud to have NAMI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Hannah Wesolowski representing us on this panel at the Alignment for Progress Conference in Boston today.

Discussing ensuring an equitable workforce, we have a lineup of expert panelists:
Daniel E. Dawes of Global Health Equity, Meharry Medical College
Dr. Shairi Turner, Crisis Text Line
Hannah Wesolowski, NAMI
James Polo, Elevance Health
Carole Johnson, HRSA
#A4P

ICYMI: Congress reintroduced legislation—the 988 Implementation Act—that will continue to expand services to help people get the crisis care they need.

Did you urge your member of Congress to support this bill yet?

Don't wait, #Act4MentalHealth today! nami.quorum.us/campaign/49596/

988 call volume increased by 40% in its first year.

'It’s meant that more than 5 million people have been able to connect to a crisis counselor in their moment of need to get the services and support that 988 offers,' said Hannah Wesolowski. 'That saves lives.' wtvr.com/news/local-new…

988 is already making an impact in our communities, but there’s more work to be done.

📢 #Act4MentalHealth today & urge your member of Congress to support legislation that will continue to expand 988 services to help people get the crisis care they need! nami.quorum.us/campaign/49596/

🗞️ “Despite a huge increase of demand on the system, it’s been holding up, and it’s been holding up exceptionally well,” Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, told KFF Health News.

🎙️ ON AIR:

We're speaking w/ Dan Gorenstein, Keris Jän Myrick & Hannah Wesolowski about the successes and challenges of 988, one year in.

❓ Have you called or texted 988? Was the experience helpful? Share your story.

📻 Listen: kqed.org/forum/20101018…

Happening now on KQED Forum! Tune in to hear Dan Gorenstein Keris Jän Myrick Hannah Wesolowski and Mina Kim 김미나 chat about 988, the nation's new mental health crisis hotline 📲

kqed.org/forum/20101018…

📰Breaking news! Thank you CMSGov and HHS.gov for approving CA and KY Medicaid proposals to provide mobile crisis intervention teams for people in crisis. Mobile crisis response is a key part of national efforts to #ReimagineCrisis . Learn more: cms.gov/newsroom/press…

'Many still assume that 'you call 988 and — much like 911 — that means someone is going to be dispatched to you,' said Hannah Wesolowski, NAMI’s chief advocacy officer. 'For the vast majority — almost all callers — that’s not actually the case.''

The New York Times explores NAMI's latest poll ⤵️

Everybody can help prevent suicide. If you or a loved one is dealing with a mental health crisis, call or text 988. #ReimagineCrisis

🗞️ Axios: 'More than 80% of people in the U.S. aren’t familiar with the new hotline, according to a National Alliance on Mental Illness survey released Thursday.'

Join me, NAMI and The Hill Events in person or virtual on Thursday to talk about 988 and #ReimagineCrisis .