This document identifies the issues for which NAMI North Carolina advocated in 2000-2001. 

NAMI has proposed the Omnibus Mental Illness Recovery Act (OMIRA) to establish across the country a baseline of care and to spur a national movement toward improved care for individuals with mental illnesses (to view the whole act go to the NAMI Web page at www.nami.org). The act has eight sections and reflects a model system of care based on the most effective standards and programs demonstrated to empower individuals on the road to recovery. The sections are:

• Consumer and Family-member participation in Mental Illness Service Planning
• Equitable Healthcare Coverage—Parity
• Access to Newer Medications
• Assertive Community Treatment
• Work Incentives for Persons with Severe Mental Illness
• Reduction in Life-threatening and Harmful Actions—Restraints
• Reduction in the Criminalization of Persons with Severe Mental Illness
• Access to Permanent, Safe and Affordable Housing with Appropriate Community-based Services

NAMI North Carolina has determined to meet the goals set forth in OMIRA within five years.

NAMI North Carolina’s Legislative Agenda for the 2001 General Assembly  targeted three OMIRA items and two policy efforts that will impact other OMIRA goals. These are:

  Access to Permanent, Safe and Affordable Housing with Appropriate Community-based  Services

  Work Incentives for Persons with Severe Mental Illness

  Implementation of the US Supreme Court Case Olmstead vs. LC

   Reform of the Public Mental Health System