Vermont Business Magazine Hundreds of mental health advocates and 43 co-sponsoring organizations and their network will rally together for the 11th Annual Mental Health Advocacy Day on Thursday, January 29th at the Vermont Supreme Courthouse Auditorium (9:00 am-12 pm - in-person and live-streamed) and the Vermont State House Capitol (1-3 pm – in-person). The central focus is “Together for Dignity, United for Change: Reclaiming Mental Health in Vermont”.
The community can join the morning program either by live-stream or in-person at the Vermont Supreme Courthouse Auditorium from 9 am-12 pm. The agenda includes welcome remarks from Vermont state leaders and two keynote presenters: Rep. Daisy Berbeco and Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak.
The day will also include a slideshow of artwork from Vermont artists, advocacy awards, advocates sharing their lived experience stories of recovery and hope, a review of mental health legislation that has been introduced, and a luncheon “Policy Table Talk” discussion with legislators. ASL Interpreters will be available in the morning. In the afternoon, events will continue at the State House where attendees will meet with legislators, provide testimony to committees, and be recognized by the House of Representatives with a Resolution.
“When we elevate mental health as a public priority, we acknowledge something deeply human: everyone needs support at different moments in their lives. Vermont is strongest when care is available, visible, and woven into the fabric of our communities.” said Amy Johnson, Director of Legislative Affairs & Public Policy, Vermont Care Partners.
“Mental Health touches every life, every family, and every community. Together we must prioritize wellness, invest in support systems, and build a future where hope and recovery are within reach for all Vermonters,” said Martina Anderson, Director of Communications, Vermont Association of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery.
“Mental Health Advocacy Day calls us to strengthen Vermont’s full continuum of care — from early intervention to crisis services to long‑term recovery. Vermonters of every age deserve timely access to care that respects their dignity and meets their needs. By investing in prevention, expanding community‑based services, and ensuring coordinated support across the lifespan, we can build a system where people are truly able to thrive,” said Laurie Emerson, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont.
Together for Dignity, United for Change: Reclaiming Mental Health in Vermont highlights the urgency of this commitment. Mental health conditions affect an estimated 141,000 adults in Vermont, and approximately 6,000 youth ages 12–17 experience mental health challenges each year — about 1 in 5 Vermonters. 35,000 people, live with a serious mental illness.
Even with these numbers, it’s vital to remember that most people living with mental illness can and do lead meaningful, productive lives when they have access to effective treatment, strong community and family support, and opportunities for connection.
To be a part of this important event, learn more at: https://namivt.org/advocate.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont is a statewide, grassroots, non-profit, 501c3 organization that supports, educates and advocates so that all communities, families, and individuals affected by mental illness or mental health challenges can build better lives.
The Vermont Association for Mental Health & Addiction Recovery is a statewide information and advocacy organization that supports all paths to recovery from addiction and mental health conditions.
Vermont Care Partners providing statewide leadership for an integrated, high-quality system of comprehensive services and supports and representing 16 non-profit community-based agencies that provide developmental, mental health, and substance abuse services to Vermonters.
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont www.namivt.org
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