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Urgent help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or is considering suicide, help is available. Reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988or contact Crisis Text Line by texting PA to 741741.
Sometimes when our lives have been touched by early psychosis we want to get involved, give back and make a difference in the lives of others. Whatever the scale or scope, here are some resources that can help.
Advocacy Resources
First Episode Psychosis Programs A Guide to State Expansion
“While FEP programs are growing, your advocacy is needed to speed the spread of programs in every state. NAMI created this guide to help NAMI State Organizations lead the charge. No group has more invested in the future of mental health care and this toolkit is designed to equip you to ensure that every young person experiencing psychosis in your state receives quality FEP care.”
“The leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for more than 35 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities.”
“Students With Psychosis offers 28+ hours of programming each week available at no cost to students and advocates globally. Over 75% of SWP leadership is from the lived experience perspective. It is their mission to empower student leaders and advocates worldwide through community building and collaboration.”
“The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) has created a campaign to help educate the public about mental health stigma and how you can help change the way the world sees mental health.”
“Mental Health America (MHA)’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them; with recovery as the goal.”
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Advocacy
“NAMI advocates to improve the lives of people affected by mental health conditions. From the U.S. Capitol to state legislatures to local city councils, the NAMI Alliance uses the power of lived experience to shape how our country helps people with mental illness.”
National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED)
“To address disparities in behavioral health care, the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (the NNED) was formed with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and The Annie E. Casey Foundation, in partnership with the National Alliance of Multi-ethnic Behavioral Health Associations (NAMBHA).”
“By joining NLBHA’s Latino Behavioral Health Juntos Network you can be a part of a national network of behavioral professionals, leaders, policymakers, practitioners, family members, consumers and advocates that are at the forefront of behavioral health developments affecting Latinos.”
“There are a wide variety of advocacy organizations, services, and programs available in Pennsylvania that can help with getting the information, services, and supports you or a loved one need to maintain your health and independence. Options include both private pay and publicly funded programs.”
“The mission of the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is to protect and advance the civil rights of adults and children with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. We envision a society where Americans with mental disabilities live with autonomy, dignity, and opportunity in welcoming communities, supported by law, policy, and practices that help them reach their full potential.”
First Nations Behavioral Health Association (FNBHA)
“The purpose of the FNBHA is to provide national leadership to all groups, institutions and individuals that plan, provide and access Native American behavioral health services.”
“The Federation is involved at the national level in monitoring legislation, funding opportunities, advocacy opportunities and resources that could aid your work as the voice for families in your community, state and nationwide.”
“PMHCA is a state-wide member organization dedicated to the support of all people who seek aid for recovery from a mental illness at any stage in their journey.”
“NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, adolescents, adults, and families affected by mental illness through recovery-focused support, education, and advocacy.”
“PHLP is a non-profit legal services organization that represents Pennsylvanians who need help getting or keeping MA. Visit their online resource library to find self-help materials related to various health care topics including MA.”