Responding to Crises

NAMI fights for policies to ensure people in crisis get help, not handcuffs. In a mental health crisis, people with mental illness frequently encounter police rather than get medical attention. As a result, people with mental illness are over-represented in the criminal justice system. A person in a psychiatric crisis should have access to robust crisis services instead of a law enforcement response.

Crisis Response

death penalty

NAMI believes that public policies and practices should promote access to care for people with mental health conditions. NAMI supports the development and expansion of mental health crisis response systems in every community.

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Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)

judge signing order

NAMI believes that public policies should be guided by credible, evidence-based research. NAMI supports Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that focus on specific, current behaviors and evidence-based risk factors for violence. NAMI opposes any ERPO laws that target, single out, or discriminate against people with mental health conditions.

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National Hotline for Mental Health Crises and Suicide Prevention

man talking on landline phone

NAMI believes that public policies and practices should promote access to care for people with mental health conditions. NAMI supports a nation-wide toll-free hotline that can adequately respond to people experiencing mental health crises.

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Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs)

man and woman talking with papers

NAMI believes that all people with mental health conditions deserve access to supports that promote wellness. NAMI supports public policies and laws that encourage the development and use of psychiatric advance directives (PAD).

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