NAMI News

Laurie Flynn, executive director of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), congratulated Governor Thomas Carper (D) for signing House Bill 156 into law today, putting an end to insurance discrimination against thousands of people with mental illness in Delaware.

A new study of violence by patients discharged from psychiatric hospitals conclusively demonstrates what many people have long suspected: treating individuals with major psychiatric disorders markedly reduces episodes of violent behavior.

A statewide telephone poll conducted by Zogby International shows that New Yorkers overwhelmingly agree that health insurance policies should treat mental health needs in the same way as other physical illnesses.

NAMI today announced the appointment of William Emmet as its chief operating officer. Emmet will join the organization on June 1, 1998, when he leaves his post as executive director of NAMI-Rhode Island and resigns as a member of NAMI’s board of directors.

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) today called for immediate and full passage of S2165, which would amend the Massachusetts insurance laws so that mental illness is covered in the same way as other biologically based diseases.

The Hay Group study (Health Care Plan Design and Cost Trends: 1988 through 1997) is the first to look at what has happened to behavioral health care compared to general health care during the tumultuous period of the last ten years.

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS), and the Association of Behavioral Group Practices (ABGP) will announce the findings of a landmark study demonstrating significant erosion of benefits for mental and addictive disorders over the past decade.

The Tennessee House and Senate rectified a great wrong on April 23 by unanimously passing HB 3177 which mandates that health insurance plans provide coverage for mental illnesses at the same level as physical illnesses.

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) today blasted Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating (R) for his veto of SB 1059, which would have required health insurance and health benefit plans for 50 or more employees to include coverage for severe mental illnesses equal to that of physical illnesses.

Statement by Laurie M. Flynn, Executive Director, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)

NAMI applauds Surgeon General David Satcher for recognizing the epidemic proportions suicide has reached and for announcing plans to develop the National Suicide Prevention Strategy our nation so desperately needs.