New Survey Shows Deep Concern among
Voters on Mental Health Policy
Survey shows 93% of Mass voters callmental illnessa “seriousissue” and two-thirds say government is not doing a good job
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
November 18, 2014
BOSTON, MA – A large majority of Massachusetts voters say state government needs to do a better job of helping those with mental illness, according to a new survey of 800 registered voters conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Massachusetts chapter (NAMI Mass).
The survey offers insight into an issue which is rarely polled, even though 54 percent of voters say someone in their family currently has or has had a mental illness, and statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration show mental illness affects more than 20 percent of the U.S.adult population.
With this revealing, new information, NAMI Mass is proposing mental health policy guidelines for Governor-elect Charlie Bakerto address during his first 100 days in office. Those guidelines – along with additional information from the NAMI Mass survey – will be released at joint news conferences to be held in Boston and Agawam on Tuesday November 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. A separate media advisory with those details will follow this press release.
“It’s clear from the survey that voters want action on the issue,” said Laurie Martinelli, Executive Director of NAMI Mass. “Our hope is the next administration deeply commits to dramatic improvementin the area of mental health.”
Marttila Strategies conducted the poll during July 2014;it has a margin of error of +/-3.46 percent.
Among otherfindings in the NAMI Mass survey:
- Ninety-four percent say mental illness is a serious issue in the United States;
- Ninety-five percent say society has an obligation to care for and provide services to people with mental illness;
- Seventy-two percent say their view of mental illness has changed over the years, with 97 percent becoming more sympathetic;
- One in five say they have – or have had – a mental illness;
- Only 27 percent said Massachusetts government is doing a good job helping people with mental illness;
- Ninety-eight percent say as long as people with mental illness are treated effectively, they can lead normal and productive lives;
- Ninety percent strongly believe people with mental illness face significant prejudice.
“The survey reveals a public that may be further along when it comes to thoughtful public policy than many may believe,” according to John Marttila, president of Marttila Strategies, who oversaw the survey’s design. “It shows that, by and large, voters get that mental illness is a brain disorder which requires treatment. They believe that our society has an obligation to care for and provide services for people with mental illness, including facilities, spending and adoption of a more tolerant attitude.”
“We are encouraged that so many Massachusetts voters recognize the seriousness of this issue,” said Martinelli. “The survey demonstrates the need for Governor-elect Baker to exercise strong, innovative leadership. Massachusetts unfortunately is way behind in caring for the approximately 1.3 million residents who have – or will have – mental illness.”
Media Contact:
Matt Ellis
Ellis Strategies, Inc.
| 617-278-6560
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 for all of those in need. From its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Financial contributions allow NAMI to offer an array of programs, initiatives and activities in support of the NAMI mission.
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