How well do we support those with mental illness?
An estimated 137,000 Oregonians suffer from serious mental illness and nearly 39,000 children live with serious mental health conditions. How well do we support these individuals and their families?
Oregon's public mental health system provides services to only 43 percent of adults who live with serious mental illnesses, spending only $117 per capita or 2.1 percent of total state spending. With the legislature struggling with budget cuts, how will mental health services fare?
This week, Jo Ann and Dave speak with Margaret Brayden, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (Multnomah office) about whether Oregonians with mental illnesses will face new challenges in receiving the support and services they need. The National Association on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the nation, working to improve the quality of life for individuals and families living with mental illness. On Sunday, May 22, NAMI Multnomah will hold their annual NW NAMIWALK to raise public awareness and funds to support NAMI's advocacy work.
Jo Ann Bowman is a former state legislator, former executive director of Oregon Action and past board president Portland Community Media as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a freelance journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years
Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and conversations on the issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edge by becoming a member of KBOO today (just click the "tip jar" on our website to find out how).
Co-Hosts: Jo Ann Bowman and Dave Mazza
Producers: Dave Mazza and Jo Ann Bowman
Program Engineer: Steve Nassar
Audio Editor: Alicia Olson
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