Hundreds Rally at 2010 Mental Health Day on the Hill

Approximately 500 people showed up at the Capitol on a cold but sunny day to call on Legislators to support mental health care funding. With the Governor’s budget taking deep cuts out of mental health care funding, and GAMC deadline looming, advocates made sure their message was clear: mental health care funding is essential to the well-being of individuals, families and the state of Minnesota.

Shelia Dodge, St. Cloud’s Regional Resource Center Coordinator, got the crowd gathered on both levels of the Capitol’s Rotunda fired up when she asked “Do you hear us Legislators?!” The crowd’s overwhelming response left little doubt that the Legislators in the building heard them loud and clear.

A wide variety of speakers shared their stories of recovery and experiences with mental health care to let others know how funding impacts people on a very personal level. Several Legislators, including long-time mental health support Senator Linda Berglin, Senator John Marty and Representative Larry Hosch assured the crowd that they were fighting against the health care cuts and advocating for consumer rights. Senator Berglin encouraged people to continue being active, telling the crowd that, “Your advocacy is important!”

Be sure to join us for the 2011 Mental Health Day on the Hill!