What are Your Candidates’ Mental Health Agendas?

Printer-friendly PDF version of the questionnaire* Web browser-friendly HTML version of the questionnaire * You will need the free Acrobat Reader to view and print this file. Bazelon Center Voting Issues Page Register to Vote at Congress.org Get Involved... Support the Bazelon Center. Your tax-deductible donation helps the Bazelon Center keep you informed on important developments in mental health law and policy. Not a Subscriber? Sign up now to receive action alerts and updates from the Bazelon Center.

(Aug. 19, 2004)—Millions of Americans with mental illness lack access to services and supports that would help them lead more successful lives in the community. Wouldn’t you like to know what candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives plan to do about it?

To address the nation’s mental health crisis, the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health last year called for transformation of the mental health system. The Commission’s final report envisions a more coherent, responsive and person- and family-centered system where mental illnesses are detected early and everyone in need can access effective services and supports.

To realize this vision, states and localities will need help from Congress and the federal government. The Bazelon Center is distributing a questionnaire to help you learn how your Congressional candidates will support the Commission’s goals and promote the civil rights and human dignity of people with mental disabilities.

Download the questionnaire below and contact your candidates to learn what they plan to do about America’s mental health crisis.

Take Action Now

With the Congressional campaign season in full swing, now is the time to learn candidates’ agendas on mental health and civil rights issues. Candidate forums, town hall meetings and other public events are great opportunities to learn more about candidates’ positions on the issues that are important to you.

Step 1. Download the questionnaire:

• Printer-friendly PDF version of the questionnaire*
• Web browser-friendly HTML version of the questionnaire

* You will need the free Acrobat Reader to view and print this file.

Step 2. Contact Candidates’ Campaigns

Ask your candidates where they stand on the issues. To find out who is running for office in your state or how to contact individual campaigns, please use DemocracyNet, a free online tool.

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