The deinstitutionalization movement succeeded in closing down many of the inhumane state-run hospitals, but tragically, the federal government critically underfunded the community mental health centers charged to replace them. Today, millions of Americans with the most serious forms of mental illness lack access to community-based, effective care and find themselves in prisons, on the streets, or worse.
As Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use for HHS, Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz has the power to direct funding streams towards solutions to the mental health crisis in America — solutions like Fountain House.
Fountain House's community system of care is rooted in the belief that people with serious mental illness can recover in and contribute to society. Our model is proven to reduce rehospitalization and keep people off the streets, out of prisons, and in the community.
Together, we can advance humane recovery models for people with serious mental illness—sign our petition to Assistant Secretary McCance-Katz now.
Dear Assistant Secretary McCance-Katz,
Congratulations on your recent appointment, and thank you for your commitment to people with serious mental illness. I am concerned because our federal government has a history of failing to make mental health a priority, and today millions of Americans who live with the most serious forms of mental illness are left to cycle through our city hospital's emergency rooms, shelters, and jails.
Fountain House has a proven solution to this crisis. Its community system of care is rooted in the conviction that people with serious mental illness can recover and contribute to society.
By investing in programs like Fountain House, HHS can support people with serious mental illness to live and thrive in society.
