The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), with chapters throughout the United States and several active chapters here on Long Island, is one of our most respected mental health organizations advocating for people with mental illnesses. Founded by parents of children diagnosed with mental illness and other psychiatric disabilities, NAMI provides support services, educational programs, advocacy services and anti-stigma programs to support individuals and families coping with mental illnesses.

On March 1, 2006, NAMI released a comprehensive report entitled: "Grading the States." The report offers a state-by-state "report card" on the public adult mental health care system in the United States. Although the country as a whole receives a D grade, it is consistent with one of the conclusions of President George W. Bush's New Mental Health Commission: "For too many Americans with mental illnesses, the mental health services and supports they need remain fragmented, disconnected and often inadequate, frustrating the opportunity for recovery."

NAMI's report documents deficiencies in every state so serious that no state received an A grade. A few states like Maine, Wisconsin, Ohio, Connecticut and South Carolina did receive a B grade. All states according to the report are experiencing poor outcomes and increased pressure on emergency rooms, jails and prisons. The report also provides a series of recommendations to state policymakers to help them achieve a more recovery-oriented mental health system. Among the recommendations are: increase state funding based upon performance and outcomes; improve data collection and reporting; invest in evidenced-based practices; involve consumers and families in all aspects of the system; and eliminate discrimination.

Only two states did not respond to the NAMI survey, Colorado and New York. It is somewhat disturbing that New York State didn't respond to the NAMI report since the New York State Office of Mental Health is a vocal supporter of NAMI and has often partnered with NAMI on program and policy initiatives.

Many of our state legislators are familiar with NAMI and its work on behalf of individuals and families with mental illness, and some have even sponsored legislation inspired by the group. It's a shame that New York didn't respond to the NAMI survey for many reasons. New York has a comprehensive adult mental health system that we should be proud of. It's a system that's based on cooperative planning, sound policies, proven leadership and creative programming. We have a comprehensive network of inpatient and community-based services, with most subscribing to a philosophy of recovery and rehabilitation. In Nassau County alone we provide excellent clinical treatment, vocational training, education, family support, case management, housing, socialization and other recovery-based programs for children, adolescents, adults, seniors and families.

Although I doubt that New York would have received an A grade from NAMI, it should have been included in such a significant document that the family-founded organization published. Our state and county legislators work hard to support mental health programs in our communities, and Nassau has reinvested millions of dollars into our local Human Services programs in just the past year. New York State has often been in the forefront of mental health services, and we have a great deal to be proud of. Hopefully, the next time NAMI conducts a survey New York will be included.