Creating grassroots advocacy for mental health

MONTROSE  — In conveying an effective message to the point where legislative action is taken, locals are learning that starting from the “grassroots” may be the most effective method.

Midwestern Colorado Mental Health Center and the Mental Health American of Colorado brought together Tuesday passionate community members to be  part of a state network of grassroots advocacy.

“There is no issue, especially in mental health, that will go anywhere without this important piece, which is grassroots advocacy,” said Chris Habgood, vice president of public policy and advocacy for MHAC.

The two groups, with help from State Senator Jim Isgar, provided informational tools for community members to band together and have a common voice for mental health.

Grassroots advocacy is the act of an individual or group of individuals who find a commonality in priorities, then effectively convey that message to government officials.

“It’s an effective process to get heard and drive an issue,” said Carol Jean Garner, the center’s consumer and family specialist, who considers herself a long-time advocate for mental health.

Tuesday’s hour-and-a-half session at the Montrose Memorial Hospital conference room trained interested community members on the groundwork to drive an issue — being educated on the issues and knowing legislators’ views and voting history.

“It’s extremely critical to know the process and how to use it,” Garner said.

Habgood walked the group through the legislation process, discussed bills, the effectiveness of advocacy and lobbying and how community members can get involved.

“Five to 10 people can impact their elected official’s vote on an issue,” Habgood said. “It shows the power of the people.”

Creating a personal relationship with local officials was also stressed at the session, along with how to maintain that relationship while officials are in and out of executive session.

Because of term limits, “keeping legislators on their toes” about different issues is key, Habgood explained.

Isgar added that it’s important to share strong personal stories but to also give the facts.

“(Legislators) need to understand that it’s cheaper to treat someone than to incarcerate. They need to hear what happens when they cut funding,” Isgar said.

In 2004, the legislation cut funding for mental health by 30 percent, the largest percentage cut in the budget, Habgood said. He said the results were an 83 percent increase in emergency visits, a prison population increase and Colorado became seventh in the nation in suicide rates.

When asked how he feels about mental health issues, Isgar responded, “supportive.” He added that it’s not just important to convince legislators mental health is important, they must convince them it’s more important than something else.

“Thats the fiscal reality of it,” he said.

MHAC travels around the state each year educating communities about the importance of grassroots advocacy and having a voice.

“Together we are stronger,” he said.

As a statewide network of individuals promoting mental health and expanding access to services and transforming systems of health care, the group recruits volunteers who will come together a create that “strong voice.”

“The worse communication is none at all,” he said.

For more information on MHAC visit its Web site, www.mhacolorado.org.

Contact Kati O’Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com