2014 Rally for Recovery Event Press Release – USARA

2014 Rally for Recovery Event Press Release

Salt Lake City, UTThe 6th Rally for Recovery will be held on February 20, 2014, in usara horizontal imagethe 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: 

  • 102,962 adults and youth were in NEED of SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT, while only 16,396 people were able to access public funding.  93,566 DIDN’T RECEIVE TREATMENT!
  •     320,551 adults and youth were in NEED of MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT, while only 45,594 people were able to access public funding.  274,957 DIDN’T RECEIVE TREATMENT!
  • We urge Governor Herbert and legislators to implement a MEDICAID EXPANSION plan for Utah; so citizens whose income is less than 138% of the federal poverty level can have health care coverage!

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

www.namiut.org

Mary Jo McMillen, Executive Director              

USARA (Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness) 855.698.7272

Email:  maryjo@myusara.com

www.myusara.com

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