Title: Mental Illness Advocate vs Mental Health Advocate | Psychology Today
Headings: Mental Illness Advocate vs Mental Health Advocate
Stephen Seager M.D.
Mental Illness Advocate vs Mental Health Advocate
Finally the truth. Incredible insight. This is a must read from DJ Jaffe.

Content: Historically, people with serious mental illness were a priority because our budget was spent on the hospitalized. But mental health advocates have changed our focus. The federal government spends $130 billion mental health dollars, much on improving the mental health of all Americans-or as former NYS OMH Commissioner Michael Hogan argued, “to create hope filled environments where people can grow.” I say we stop ignoring the seriously mentally ill. That distinction between mental health and mental illness is the main debate going on today around the country and is certainly at the core of the two bills Congress is now considering and was at the core of some bills being considered in New York like the SAFE Gun Control Legislation. NAMI/NYS is one of the few groups doing both. They have always done a stellar job at trying to improve the mental health of the 20% and they also advocate for the 4%. So if someone asks me, “Where do I stand” it is with NAMI/NYS. Although I should add, my comments today are mine, not theirs. Let me talk about how mental health advocates drive care away from the most seriously ill.