Press Releases

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.

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.

William T. Emmet to Join NAMI as Chief Operating Officer

May 13, 1998

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.

NAMI Urges Massachusetts Legislators To Pass Health Insurance Parity Bill

May 12, 1998

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.

Behavioral Health Benefit Dollars Have Plummeted, New Study Finds

May 7, 1998

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.

Mental Healthcare Benefits Erode Farther and Faster Than Thought Landmark Study

May 6, 1998

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.

NAMI Praises Tennessee Legislature for Passing Parity Bill

April 27, 1998

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.

NAMI Blasts Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating for Veto of State Parity Bill

April 24, 1998

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.

NAMI Urges Surgeon General To Make Suicide Prevention Top Priority

April 17, 1998

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. 

The National Alliance For The Mentally Ill Urges Illinois Senate Action On House Bill 111

April 17, 1998

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill is urging the Illinois senate to help bring an end to discrimination against people with mental illness and pass House Bill 111 currently being held in the Senate Rules Committee.