Speak Out

Apply to Serve on PCORI Advisory Panels 

PCORI (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) is seeking applications from patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, other health care stakeholders interested in serving on advisory panels on addressing disparities; assessment of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options; improving health care systems; and patient engagement. Find out how to apply. [1]

Sign a Petition for More Research Funding

The Cure Alliance for Mental Illness, a research advocacy organization, is petitioning the President and Congress to fund more mental illness research, made even more urgent by recent violent tragedies. Sign the petition. [2]

Provide Your Research Input

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) wants to know your health care questions or decisions you may be facing. Make your voice heard to refine the PCORI research agenda. Provide your input in a short form. [3]

Congressional Neuroscience Caucus 

Ask your representatives to join the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus [4], which focuses exclusively on the brain and its disorders. It promises to have significant impact on national policy.

Mental Health Insurance Parity

Read about challenges affecting the implementation of mental health insurance parity [5] rules. Let your Congressional representatives know that parity is essential.

Find your Congressional representatives [6] or call 202-224-3121 to be connected with your representative's office.

Mental Health Month

Designating May as Mental Health Month is a great reminder that the mental health and well-being of people affect not only quality of life, but also the health of communities, families, and economic stability. Ask your representative to fight the stigma associated with mental illness by supporting House Resolution 1258.

The American Brain Coalition

ADAA is a member of the American Brain Coalition (ABC), a nonprofit organization comprising professional neurological, psychological, and psychiatric associations and patient organizations.

To receive communications from ABC about issues affecting the neuroscience and patient communities—relevant news stories, opportunities to e-mail Congress about key legislation, and notices of events and activities—contact akupferman [at] americanbraincoalition [dot] org.

Mental Health Care

Mental health care should be part of the essential benefits package in all health plans. Let your representative know how you feel.

Find your Congressional representatives [6] or call 202-224-3121 to be connected with your representative's office.

Facts

• Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adults. An estimated 40 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders
• Anxiety disorders may develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.
• Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment.

Contacting Legislators

Keep these tips in mind:

• Get to the point. State your purpose, give your point of view, and make it clear what action you expect.
• Be brief and clear. Keep your letter, e-mail, or discussion brief and make sure your request is clear.
• Share a story. Your personal experience can be a compelling persuasive tool, but keep your emotions to a minimum.
• Shape your argument. Check your representative’s voting record on similar issues.
• Talk to Congressional staff. It’s best to communicate with the person who handles the issues you care about, especially since it’s often difficult to reach your legislator directly.

Write a postcard, send an e-mail or fax, or make a phone call. Most people do not take time to contact their legislators, so your communication will make an impact.