Salt Lake City, UT – The 6th Rally for Recovery will be held on February 20, 2014, in the Utah State Capitol Rotunda from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. The Rally will bring hundreds of supporters together in an effort to raise public awareness for issues impacting people with mental health and substance use disorders. Invited speakers will include Utah legislators, behavioral health community leaders, family members and persons in recovery. We invite all Utahans to join together in a celebration of Recovery and to support those who live daily with the challenges of mental health and substance use disorders.
Our message:
According to the 2013 Annual Report from Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (dsamh.utah.gov), the statistics below indicate the critical shortage of funding for behavioral health prevention, treatment and recovery services:
This is a health care crisis that deserves critical attention from our Utah legislators. They have the power to determine how Utahans will access health care for behavior health treatment and medical care. As a result of the economic downturn over the past few years, overall funding cuts for behavioral health services has reduced access for thousands of citizens. When services aren’t available for people with a chronic and debilitating illness, the need is not deterred or diminished. Services end up being consumed in more costly, less effective settings such as emergency rooms, jails and prisons.
We believe with access to a comprehensive health care plan, previously uninsured, hardworking Utahans would have a greater chance to live full and productive lives. People with mental health and substance use disorders who engage in services to assist them in maintaining recovery are able to return to work and/or attend school, improving the overall quality of their lives and the lives of those around them.
Ensuring that children and adults get the appropriate care, in the appropriate setting and in a timely manner is good for all Utahans. USARA and NAMI-Utah urge Governor Herbert and state legislators to carefully consider all of their options and to make policy decisions that allow Utahans to maximize their health, recovery and wellness.
For more information on the Rally for Recovery or to schedule an interview please contact:
Rebecca Glathar, Executive Director
NAMI-Utah (National Alliance on Mental Illness-Utah) 801.869.2880
Email: Rebecca@namiut.org
Mary Jo McMillen, Executive Director
USARA (Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness) 855.698.7272
Email: maryjo@myusara.com