Arlington, Va. — As the nation’s largest grassroots #mentalhealthorganization, the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness (#NAMI) congratulates #PresidentJoeBiden and #VicePresidentKamalaHarris on their inauguration today. #NAMI looks forward to working with the new administration to build better lives for the millions of people in our country who are affected by #mentalillness.
More people than ever are experiencing #anxiety and #depression for the first time because of the challenges related to #COVID-19, economic hardship and #racial injustice. The demand for #mentalhealthservices is increasing. We are in the midst of alarming #mentalhealth, substance use and #suicide challenges that are taxing an already fragmented system of care.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Last week, #PresidentBiden announced the American Rescue Plan, which includes significant investments that would help people with #mentalhealthconditions. In addition to proposals that will help people access #mentalhealthcare and focus on their wellness, including expanding health care subsidies, extending the eviction moratorium and providing emergency housing assistance, the plan specifically addresses the country’s #mentalhealthneeds during this crisis. The plan calls for an additional $4 billion to help people access #mentalhealth and substance use care.
“We need to alleviate the pain and suffering of millions of #Americans by increasing access to quality #mentalhealth and substance use interventions,” said Daniel H. Gillison Jr., CEO of #NAMI. “More people—including our nation’s youth and first responders—are reporting their #mentalhealth is worse than it was a year ago. #NAMI applauds the President’s call for substantial resources to expand access to #mentalhealth and substance use services.”
To further address the growing #mentalhealth epidemic within the #pandemic, #NAMI urges the Biden administration to prioritize a cross-agency effort to help people get on the path to recovery. We hope the new administration will use the Unified Vision for Transforming #MentalHealth and Substance Use Care, developed in partnership with 14 of the nation’s leading #mentalhealth organizations, as a roadmap to changing the paradigm for #mentalhealth care in our country. To achieve this vision, we must institute policies, programs and standards that value the critical importance of #mentalhealth. We must intentionally address the inequities in care and unacceptable disparities in outcomes that result from systemic #racism and discrimination. We must invest in comprehensive system solutions that promote #mentalwellness for all.
Together, #NAMI looks forward to working with #PresidentBiden and his administration to find solutions that help everyone get the #mentalhealthsupport they need.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
