Vote!
Mental Health America has created a new web page: Vote for America's Mental Health 2012. You can find sample candidate questions; a voting checklist, tips on writing letters to the editors and excepts from major party platforms.
For Wisconsin specific voting information check out the Disability Vote Coalition.
As a consumer of mental health services, you have a right to:
Expect good quality help and services.- Ask questions regarding:
- credentials, training, and experience of the person helping you;
- the treatment plan you will be on, including medication;
- the cost of services and provision for payment;
- access to your medical records
- Seek another opinion about your therapy, whether the therapist is in private practice or works in an agency or public clinic.
- Expect confidentiality from the person helping you.
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Know that your written consent is required by law for the release of any information about you or your treatment.
Advocacy Links & Information
Community Advocates - Helps low-income persons resolve problems with public and private bureaucracies including SSI/SSD and Medicaid issues (Milwaukee County only). (414) 449-4777
Disability Advocates: Wisconsin Network (DAWN) - A statewide grassroots cross-disability network of people who care about disability issues. Supports legislative change in the programs and systems affecting people with all disabilities.
Disability Rights Wisconsin - Protection and advocacy services for persons with disabilities. Offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and Rice Lake.
Independence First Advocacy - Provides information about laws, rules, codes and etiquette regarding advocacy inquiries.
Mental Health America- Take Action Now! - Provides information on mental health legislation; legislative alerts; policy issues; and MHA position statements.
Mental Health America of Wisconsin Office of Public Policy - State budget and policy issues including updates on mental health parity.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)- Take Action- Legislation action alerts and updates; StigmaBusters.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wisconsin - Education, advocacy, and support. 34 affliliates in Wisconsin serving 40 counties.
Vital Voices for Mental Health - Advocates for adults using mental health services provided by the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Client Rights Office - Oversees the grievance procedures for state operated facilities and the grievance process for the community.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Office of Quality Assurance - Responsible for assuring the safety, welfare, and health of persons using health and community care provider services in Wisconsin.