Hill Day 2017

Raise Your Voice.

NAMI fights boldly to ensure that people with mental health conditions get the quality mental health care they need to experience recovery. No one is more effective at delivering this message to the U.S. Congress than individuals and families with lived experience.

Help us bring the fight to the halls of Congress this Hill Day.

But don’t let us tell you why you should attend. Here’s what people said about NAMI’s last Hill Day:

“Great opportunity to meet with legislative representatives to shed light on issues facing individuals with mental illness.”

“Very cool experience. Gave me more confidence to try this on my own at the state level.”

“Highly educational and heartwarming.”

“I believe it really made a difference.”

What Is Hill Day?

NAMI’s Hill Day is our opportunity to stand together and speak up about the issues that are important to us. Together we will ask Congress to take action to support people with mental illness and their families. Your story is important and your passion will make them listen. Add your voice to the many voices advocating for NAMI’s 2017 policy priorities:

• Health Reform and Mental Illness
• Funding for Mental Health
• Decriminalizing Mental Illness
• Military Service Members and Veterans Mental Health
• Early Intervention for Psychosis
• Mental Health Research and Innovation
• Mental Health Caregiver Support

Download all fact sheets here.

How Will I Know What To Say?

Speaking to your elected officials may sound intimidating. That’s why we spend part of the day before giving you an overview of what the meetings will be like, providing background on the issues and talking points. Come to NAMI’s policy team briefing on legislative issues on Wednesday 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. to get background information on NAMI’s legislative priorities. We will teach you how to be the most effective advocate you can be.

Can Anyone Be An Advocate?

If you have a story, you have the power to influence policymakers. Get inspired to act. Join our Opening Legislative Plenary on Thursday from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. where special guests will rally everyone to take NAMI’s message to Congress.

Congressional visits will be held Thursday, June 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. NAMI has assisted your NAMI State Organization in scheduling and coordinating the meetings with state congressional delegation. A master list of appointments by state will be posted in the NAMI registration area so that you can find the scheduled appointments for your state.