Action Alerts /Thank sisters Glenn and Jessie Close for speaking out against stigma and budget cuts
Cut mental health stigma, not funding for mental health services. That is the message from award-winning actress Glenn Close and her sister, mental health advocate Jessie Close. They wrote an opinion editorial for Politico titled “Mental Health Cuts Cost All.” The sisters are founders of the organization Bring Change 2 Mind.
According to the article, Jessie lives with bipolar disorder and her son Calen was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. The family says they understand the importance of resources for those living with mental health challenges. “Already, in the last two years, states have cut a total of $1.6 billion from their budgets for services for children and adults living with mental illness, according to a recent National Alliance on Mental Illness report. The result has been felt in emergency rooms, community hospitals, police departments, correctional facilities, schools and homeless shelters, “ the Closes wrote.
They also argue that reducing mental health budgets actually means tax payers more money. “Serious mental illness costs society more than $193.2 billion annually in lost earnings. It remains the leading cause of disability in the U.S. “ More importantly, Glenn and Jessie Close remind readers how cuts to mental health services affects the lives of those who don’t have access to quality care and housing.
Take Action!
Glenn and Jessie Close
donotemail@bringchange2mind.org
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Dear Jessie and Glenn Close,
Thank you both for your Politico article “Mental Health Cuts Cost All.” Your article emphasizes the need to stop mental health stigma in our country and help those in need of mental health services. Readers also learn that slashes to mental health budgets have a domino effect that impacts our communities, economy and people we care for. As you wrote in your article, one in four families has a loved one living with a mental health condition. We know mental health affects many Americans whether directly or indirectly. I hope your article and activism will encourage people to take action and contact their leaders about this serious issue.
Thank you.
