NAMI HelpLine
The Michael Laudor Tragedy

Jun 19, 1998

We are devastated by the news of the terrible tragedy of Caroline Costello’s death. Our hearts break for this young woman and her family. Our compassion and tears over her death also extend to Michael Laudor’s family who showed never-ending love and support for their son since his initial diagnosis of schizophrenia.

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NAMI Urges New York Senate To Pass Parity Bill Before Legislature Adjourns On Thursday

Jun 16, 1998

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) today urged the New York Senate to pass the mental health parity bill before the legislature adjourns on Thursday.

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Landmark Court Decision Against Kmart Strikes Down Unfair Disability Coverage For Severe Mental Illness

Jun 15, 1998

 In the first lawsuit of its kind to go to trial in the United States, a federal court late last week held that a long-term disability policy which provides lower benefits for people with severe mental illnesses than other medical disorders is unfair and discriminatory.

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NAMI Urges Massachusetts Legislature To Pass Mental Health Parity Bill

Jun 4, 1998

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

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NAMI Awards Outstanding Psychiatrists

Jun 3, 1998

Selected by NAMI’s own grassroots membership, the physicians are being honored for their contributions to greater public understanding of brain disorders, outspoken work to eliminate stigma, or efforts to fight discriminatory policies against people with brain disorders.

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NAMI Praises Tennessee Governor Sundquist For Ending Insurance Discrimination Against People With Mental Illness

May 27, 1998

Laurie Flynn, executive director of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), congratulates Republican Governor Don Sundquist for signing House Bill 3177 into law, putting an end to insurance discrimination against thousands of people with mental illness in Tennessee.

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NAMI Urges Pennsylvania To Remove Barriers To Medical Treatment

May 21, 1998

NAMI calls on Pennsylvania Senate leaders to end insurance discrimination against people with mental illness and send the Patient Bill of Rights (Senate Bill 100) with the Gannon amendment attached to Governor Tom Ridge (R) without delay.

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NAMI Congratulates Gov. Carper For Signing Equal Insurance Coverage Into Law

May 14, 1998

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.

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New Study Confirms Treatment Reduces Violence in Individuals with Major Psychiatric Disorders by Half

May 14, 1998

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.

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Statewide Poll Shows 91 Percent Of New Yorkers Want To End Discrimination In Health Insurance Coverage

May 13, 1998

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.

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NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).