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Mental Health America is one of over 40 partner organizations sponsoring the Whole Health Campaign (learn more).

Sign the Petition


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Health care reform is a top election issue, but the presidential candidates and their parties aren’t talking about the importance of mental health.

Considering all the ways it affects us, mental health is the largest public health and economic concern facing our country:

About one in four American adults—over 55 million people live with a diagnosable mental health or substance abuse condition.
Despite proven prevention practices, over half of children and adults and thousands of returning servicemen and women are not receiving the treatment and services they need.
Individuals with severe mental illnesses die, on average, 25 years earlier than the general population.
In 2002 serious mental illnesses cost over $193 billion annually in lost earnings alone which is more money than the gross revenues of 499 or the Fortune 500 companies.
Chronic illnesses drive 75% of health care costs and the mental and addictive conditions are the most chronic and disabling health condition in the US.

The Whole Health Campaign is working to make mental health an integral part of any health care reform. Add your name to this petition calling on the presidential candidates and their parties to recognize the importance of mental health issues.

Whole Health Campaign leaders will deliver the petitions to major presidential candidates and political party platform committees.

Full text of petition below. Sending to:
Democratic National Committee
Republican National Committee
Senator Barack Obama
Senator John McCain

Petition:

Dear [Committee/Candidate]:

I am concerned about America's approach to helping people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders. I support the Whole Health Campaign and call on every presidential candidate and political party to adopt three principles:

1. Ensure equitable and adequate mental health and addiction treatment coverage in all public and private health care plans.

2. Support policies that promote individual and family recovery from mental illnesses and addictions as integral to overall health.

3. Commit to investing in America's future through prevention, early intervention, treatment, and research related to mental illnesses and addictions.

Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]