Walk A Mile In My Shoes Rally Sept 13

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Join us in celebrating the 19th Annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes Rally at the state Capitol in Lansing on September 13, from 12:30 to 3:00.

The Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes Rally gathers advocates who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and/or substance use disorders from around Michigan at the state Capitol to inform the public and legislators about access to publicly funded behavioral healthcare.

 

We rally to:

  • Enhance public awareness and educate legislators about why Mental Health Matters.
  • End stigma related to intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders.
  • Promote mental health and wellness.

 

We want legislators to know:

  • The Michigan Public Mental Health System serves more than 300,000 people and families across the state with quality and affordable integrated healthcare. Michigan’s public mental health system is one of the best in the country, with controlled costs, community-based care, and proven outcomes for people.
  • Services provided by local community mental health (CMH) boards are essential for Michigan. CMHs across the state work to ensure that those who have intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health disorders have the best chance to live productive, inclusive, and fulfilling lives. The COVID-19 pandemic and CMH services response to this public health crisis highlighted the critical need for Michigan’s public system as the safety net for the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
  • Access and inclusion must remain at the forefront of health care and policy discussions. Michigan must continue to strengthen awareness and advocate for sound policy to support people with disabilities from all economic backgrounds. We must inform legislators through letters, phone calls and emails, to help keep behavioral health services fully and equitably funded in Michigan.

 

The day begins with a symbolic Advocacy Walk around the block at 12:30 p.m.

The rally officially begins with the National Anthem at 1:30 p.m. and opening remarks

Representatives from each of Michigan’s 83 counties will make a short statement on the Capitol steps.