USARA and NAMI Utah hold Rally for Recovery
Hundreds of Utahans gather in support of behavioral health services!

Salt Lake City, UT – The 5th Rally for Recovery will be held on February 12, 2013 in the Utah State Capitol Rotunda from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Rally will bring hundreds of supporters together in an effort to raise public awareness of mental health and recovery from substance use disorders.

Our advocacy efforts this year will focus on the behavior health services needed for adults and children, specifically identified as early intervention for mental health and drug court funding. These funding decisions are being discussed in the Social Services Appropriations Committee who will evaluate the Governor’s proposed budget to make decisions where to allocate funds.

The economic downturn over the past few years has resulted in funding cuts for behavioral health services. Yet the overwhelming need for these services has not changed. People who are uninsured depend on public funding to help them get the treatment needed for mental health and substance use disorders. Currently the Governor and legislators are faced with the challenge of evaluating if Utah should adopt Medicaid Expansion. This is also an option that should be carefully considered to fund behavior health services.

The hundreds of Rally attendees will include people recovering from mental illness and substance use disorders, family members, friends, employers, and healthcare professionals who support behavioral health prevention, treatment and recovery. Invited speakers will include many Utah legislators, behavioral health community leaders, persons in recovery and family members.

Our message is simple: Support Recovery, It works!

For more information on the Rally for Recovery or to schedule an interview please contact:Rebecca Glathar, Executive Director
NAMI-Utah (National Alliance on Mental Illness-Utah)
1600 West 2200 South, Suite 202
West Valley City, Utah 84119
(801) 869-2880
Email: Rebecca@namiut.org
www.namiut.org

Mary Jo McMillen, Executive Director
USARA (Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness)
198 W. 7200 S, Suite D
Midvale, Utah 84047
(855) 698-7272
Email: maryjo@usara.us
www.usara.us
About USARA - This is USARA’s 5th Annual Rally for Recovery at the Capitol.
Our mission is to support individuals and their families in all stages of recovery from alcohol and other drug problems. The organization will identify and advocate for needed services related to substance use disorders, infuse hope, and increase public awareness that long-term recovery is a reality. Visit us online: HYPERLINK "http://www.usara.us" www.usara.us and HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/myusara" www.facebook.com/myusara.

About NAMI
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope. Visit us online: HYPERLINK "http://www.namiut.org" www.namiut.org and HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/namiut" www.facebook.com/namiut.