Advocacy

Mental illnesses include such disorders as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and other severe anxiety disorders, autism and pervasive developmental disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, borderline personality disorder, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses that affect the brain. These disorders can profoundly disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, moods, ability to relate to others and capacity for coping with the demands of life.

Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence.

Mental illnesses strike individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable.

Early identification and treatment is of vital importance; By getting people the treatment they need early, recovery is accelerated and the brain is protected from further harm related to the course of illness. Stigma erodes confidence that mental disorders are real, treatable health conditions. We have allowed stigma and a now unwarranted sense of hopelessness to erect attitudinal, structural and financial barriers to effective treatment and recovery. It is time to take these barriers down.

Take the opportunity today to get involved in the legislative process. It is the only way that you personally can make a difference and help to influence the outcome of legislation that will directly affect you and your family. Grassroots lobbying works well when concerned citizens work together to voice their opinions in a determined, positive manner. Together we can make a difference!

We have put together a few “tips” to assist you in your efforts.

General Assembly Information
Legislative information (804) 698-1500
Toll-Free Opinion Line

The Constituent Viewpoint provides a toll free, intrastate telephone message center during the session to take calls from constituents wishing to express an opinion on legislation. The message is transmitted to the legislator. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Toll-Free 1-800-899-0229
Richmond Area 804-698-1990
(you will be asked your name and home address and issue or bill number)

State Web Site Address: http://legis.state.va.us