The time Is Now: Let's Make Kids' Mental Health Better Together
Background Information
The mental health care system in Massachusetts is failing our children. Although mental health care needs in children are more prevalent than leukemia, diabetes, and AIDS combined, 100,000 children do not receive the care and treatment that they need.
The Children's Mental Health Campaign is ever-growing and includes health care providers, advocates, families, educators and consumers from across the Commonwealth who have joined together to reform the mental health care system for children- a system that is broken and "seriously flawed".
The campaign supports reform that removes the barriers that children & families face when seeking treatment by making it easier for families to access care from any point in the system. The legislation filed by Chairwoman Ruth Balser and Senator Steven Tolman will:
Identify mental illness earlier in children by reaching them in familiar and easily accessible settings, especially schools, early education programs, and pediatricians' offices.
Ensure that when identified, the illness is treated in the least restrictive, appropriate setting.
Improve insurance coverage for children with mental health needs.
Restructure the oversight, evaluation and provision children's mental health services administered by the State.
There are many ways to help out in improving health care for children. From calling your elected official to coming to campaign meetings, we will help you get the information you need to make a difference!
There will be opportunities to write, call, or meet with your elected official about the omnibus bill or the state budget. There will be times to come up to the State House to attend a rally or testify at a hearing. The campaign may need the support of folks like you who care to tell your story to your legislator or own community. We can help you be an effective advocate for reform just by using your own voice!
Write a letter to your legislators now with a click of a button!
Contact your district representative TODAY and ask them to support access to mental health services for children in Massachusetts.
Share Your Story By sharing your personal testimonies with us, you give us a glimpse into the reality of the issue as well as putting a personal face on our cause. Your stories are submitted anonymously unless you choose to disclose your name. You can also share your story with a letter to the editor or at a public hearing. For questions or to share your story, please call Keri Stedman at 617-919-3114 or send her an email.
As a member, you can support CMHC's issues and strengthen our representation of organizations and groups interested in the health access of Massachusetts children.
CMHC hosts meetings that give opportunity for input from all members. Members also help in advocating for CMHC's issues by making calls and producing turnout for events.
You will also receive regular e-updates about the campaign- upcoming events, issues that require action, and where you can get involved!
GIVING is a great way to get involved Your financial support helps us improve quality and accessible health care for all Massachusetts residents. To donate, please email or call Tamar Schiess at (617)355-7265. You can make an online donation by clicking the link below.
We need YOU to join the campaign to reform children's mental health. All of our voices together can bring about change.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Matt Noyes at 617-275-2939 or mnoyes@hcfama.org.
Thank You to Our Proud Donors
The C.F. Adams Charitable Trust
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation
