Signer is executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Virginia, an organization started in 1985 that focuses on the needs of people with serious mental health illness. The group will participate in a rally Monday at the Virginia Capitol in Richmond to advocate for their cause. How does the organization aid those with a mental health illness?
We provide education and support for people who experience mental illnesses and also for their families and caregivers. We try to equip their lives with the tools they need to live their lives the way they want, whether that’s finding a place on their own or a job. We also work on public education and stigma. People hear about what happens at Virginia Tech and that stigma associated with mental health is a barrier to treatment, so we try to normalize it and help people see it’s like heart disease; it’s an illness that affects the brain.
What is the goal of the rally?
The rally takes place every year for about 15 or 20 years. It’s a coalition of groups focused on improving mental health. The purpose is to come to the state capital to talk to and meet other advocates and speak with legislators to educate and advocate for certain priorities.
There are numerous cuts to social services in Gov. Bob McDonnell’s budget. Does that raise the stakes for this year’s rally?
We’re up against so many competing priorities and unfortunately for human services, we’re fighting for our own piece of the pie. For many people these are life or death issues. There is always a heightened sense of need. And mental health is so far behind in terms of funding, we’re already playing catch-up. In this budget there’s no new money for mental health, and we’re hoping we can change that with a constructive lobbying effort.
— Steve Contorno
