Representing over 3100 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat personnel
July 10, 2015
Negotiations
We continue to meet with the County for a successor agreement to our MOU that expired December 31, 2014. We have had many sessions at the bargaining table and we continue to get closer to an agreement. We will be meeting again the week of July 13th in hopes that we will be able to reach an agreement soon.
We will keep you informed. In the meantime you can click on this link to keep updated on negotiations. We update this link (must be logged in as a 1014 member) every Friday with information about the weeks events at our table.
We are also at the table for the County Coalition of Unions (CCU) successor MOU that covers our fringe benefit contract (Vacation hours, sick days and insurance premiums among other items.
As we finish up day two of MDA we are still counting the generous donations from people all over the county.
Again YOU, our Local 1014 members, have come through and made a HUGE impact for MDA. We, and the children and adults living with these diseases, cannot thank the "B" shift, Day One, enough. B-Shift members collectively raised over $63,200. Battalion 8 was the highest raising battalion, raising over $6,956 on Thursday!
We have 1 more days to go. Keep up the momentum. Everyone did a great job today. Through our fund-raising, MDA is able to help send over 120 children from the Greater Los Angeles area to MDA Summer Camp next week at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. These local kids are able to enjoy a magical week among friends because of your hard work and dedication at the Fill the Boot. At MDA camp, kids with neuromuscular disease discover a world created specifically for them, and meet many other kids sharing the same needs and experiences. MDA campers dream about summer camp all year and often say it's better than Christmas; some even say it's changed their lives. Almost all campers agree that it's "the best week of the year."
Below is a video from last year's Southern California MDA Summer Camp.
As you know the County of Los Angeles is doing a Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit (DEV). We have told the county we are not opposed to the audit but we are very opposed to the process which includes, but is not limited to, the request for documents by the county (and 3rd party vendor). These documents are not require under the Choices Summary Plan Description to enroll a dependent. A negotiated item.
We are at the point, and have been informing everyone since last week, that you need to turn the required paperwork in or you run the risk of your dependents being dropped from the plan. This includes medical and dental insurance.
We will deal with the document request after the 15th of July, the deadline for submission.
As a reminder this DOES NOTaffect retired personnel as well as those who do not have dependents. If you have not recieved any paperwork you can call the following number:
HMS Dependent Verification Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. (866) 365-7285
In May of this year 4 of our firefighters from Fire Station 164 went through a roof while performing ventilation in a fire in Cudahy, California. On Monday, July 6th those firefighters were honored at Dodger Stadium along with firefighters from Battalion 13 and their families.
Before the game they were allowed to go down to the field and watch batting practice. Once the game started they joined their family members who came to watch the Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies! 1014 member BC 13C Glenn Goulet made all the arrangements and provided pictures of the event.
The Serious Accident Review Team is still hard at work compiling information about the incident and will have a full report out in the near future.
Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern
Captain Dern continues on the road to recovery. Today he held a press conference to talk about what happened and what is happening as well as how grateful he is for all the prayers and support he, his family and his department has received.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Injured Fresno Fire Captain and local hero Pete Dern, who suffered burns to much of his body while fighting a fire in March, is now walking, and talking, and smiling! He addressed the community Friday and gave thanks for all the support he's received over the past few months.
"Our community here in Fresno -- I want to thank everybody for their prayers and support," Dern said. "It really matters."
Dern's remarkable journey and recovery have drawn national and international attention. And he took another big step forward Friday, letting us all know he's feeling.......read morewith video from today's press confrence.
Representing over 3100 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat personnel
Dear Members,
On behalf of Local 1014 and the families served by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), we would like to thank you for your support of our 13th Annual Los Angeles County Local 1014 Fill the Boot to be held on Thursday July9th (B), Friday July 10th (C) and Saturday July 11th (A), 2015. Because of you,Los Angeles County Firefightershaveraised nearly $3,500,000in the last twelveyearsto provide health care and support services to the families served by MDA.
With our participation in events like Fill the Boot, MDA will continue to fund comprehensive healthcare clinics at renowned facilities like Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and UCLA. In addition, MDA will fund life saving research at USC and Cedars Sinai. Last but not least, your support sends children with neuromuscular disease to MDA summer camp. Each and every one of your efforts will not go unnoticed. As the IAFF’s charity of choice for over 60 years, you are a part of the tradition and commitment to the families who live with muscle disease. Your character and dedication to help those in need is what our profession is about.
With the Fire Chief and his Executive Staff’s full support, we need all hands on deck to get our total over $300,000. As in previous years, MDA staff has been conducting station presentations to recruit off-duty site coordinators. There will be one MDA staff or volunteer at each Battalion. We need active firefighter volunteers to give us four hours off-duty so that we can continue to make a difference for our MDA family.
Once again, we would like to thank you in advance for your full participation in our Fill the Boot to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger. Each year, we participate in many events for the department. Los Angeles County Fire Fighters Local 1014 is proud to Fill the Boot for MDA. This is OUR event and one that is very important to Local 1014 and Firefighters across the county as well as those the Fill the Boot helps. Let’s work together with MDA staff to make sure it’s a safe and successful event.
We have been assured there will be MDA staff at every site to make sure we have a successful event. If you have any issues or problems please contact 1st Vice President Dave Lopez on his cell at (909) 917-6058 or by email at davel@local1014.org.
Fraternally,
Your Local 1014 Executive Board
From previous years
For those that wonder why we do what we do for the MDA.....
Meet Firefighter Shaun Probert.....and his 3 young girls.
Shaun spoke at the 2012 IAFF Convention in Philadelphia. Click here to watch his emotional presentation
Representing over 3100 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat personnel
Happy 4th of July Weekend!
This weekend our members and their families will take time to celebrate Independence Day while enjoying BBQ’s, parades, firework shows, sporting events and more. This celebration is a remembrance of July 4th, 1776 when the 13 original colonies claimed independence from England leading to the eventual formation of the greatest country in the world, the United States of America! Remember those brave members of the Armed Services who have fought, and continue to fight today to keep us free and protect our nation.
As we take time to celebrate let us remember that there are serious threats to our Country that are prevalent this very weekend, and Local 1014 members along with Police, Sheriff and other Fire Service Personnel will be on the front lines to deal with anything that may come our way including the hot fire weather we are experiencing. Our members will be in harm’s way serving at the stations and sites where we work, and once again performing to the highest standards in the Nation. We should be very proud of our work and work hard to stay safe and get it done with the pride we always bring to the table.
We are facing many challenges in addition to those faced at work in performing our jobs. We are also bargaining to get agreement on a successor MOU and the stress is high between the County and the Public Safety Units. The County has not yet come to the table with any offers that will be satisfactory to Local 1014 or any of the other public safety units for that matter and we stand in solidarity in our quest for a fair contract. We will continue to bargain after the holiday weekend and you can expect things to heat up a bit more as we progress. If we cannot achieve a fair deal with the County at the table, we will likely head to impasse where a third party will assist in movement to a fair deal.
We also are in the heat of battle to continue to protect our fire stations and sites from the adverse health effects of cellular and radio antennas as proposed by LA RICS and supported by the Department. We did a spectacular job at the local level in halting the antenna construction that brought poor health effects and decreased property values to our citizens, but the fight is not over as we fight state and federal attempts by the telecom industry to get around us in whatever way they can. We will continue to stand guard and hold the Department and the County accountable for their actions in this ongoing matter. We will keep you posted on progress in the next couple of weeks.
We are also fighting the Counties new Dependent Eligibility Verification fiasco with both political and legal challenge with our partner Unions at the County Coalition of Unions (CCU). We have sent out information on how to handle this item while we continue to pursue a challenge in court and through our political action with our Union brothers and sisters. Please see our website for the most current information on the item. We believe this latest DEV process to be invasive to our privacy of records, not legal and wasteful effort for something that is already in place and governed by our current Fringe Benefits Choices agreement. More to come and far from done….
We are also under attack once again with a looming pension initiative designed to force the voters to approve any defined benefit pension plan or any bargained changes to a plan and default to a defined contribution (401K Savings Plan) in the absence of approval. We are heavily engaged at the state level through California Professional Firefighters (CPF) and our allied Public Sector Unions. This will not be an easy fight and we again will be having to protect our pensions.
Finally, as we head into this weekend we all know we are in some extremely adverse positions with Management on quite a few items that we will not list here, but you are well aware of. The department owns the work on these items, and while we will go the extra mile to work with the Department on items where we can and will get good work done. Some items we cannot, and will not, be able to resolve together. Therefore adverse position is where we will go and we will strongly challenge the work of the Department. We will do this formally, politically and literally to the greatest power and strength of this great Union. We will get through all of these issues and times and as great a Los Angeles County Fire Department as there has ever been will shine through in the end because of one thing….the people doing the work day in and day out, the membership!
Please remember to take caution to be extra safe if you are at work this weekend and prepare for anything, and if you are off and celebrating take caution to plan for a safe weekend and arrange for NO DRINKING or if you are going to drink, CHOOSE A DESIGNATED DRIVER, GET A ROOM OR TAKE A CAB! Make a PLAN! Don’t ruin your career, or someone's life, by making a poor decision when it’s too late to recover.
Have a safe, Happy and Proud Independence Day, and 4th of July Weekend and be extremely proud of your work and your dedication to this Department and the people we serve and proud of our service to America!
Representing over 3100 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat personnel
Dependent Eligibility Verification (DEV)
A follow-up to our last communication regarding the DEV. As a reminder to change the required documentation during the plan year is a change that we feel is not within their right. We will continue to challenge this.
We are not done with this issue.....
Dear Members:
As you are aware, LA County Firefighters Local 1014, together with the Coalition of County Unions (CCU), has challenged the additional documentation that is being requested by the County under its audit of dependent benefits. We have discussed our concerns with the County; however, the County is continuing to demand this additional documentation even though that demand may lead to some qualified dependents losing coverage.
In order to avoid a disruption to your benefits, we advise that you submit the requested documentationandretain a copy of all documentation submitted. However, you may choose to submit the documents required for spouses / domestic partners under protest with the following statement attached in a note:
Enclosed is my marriage certificate / certificate of domestic partnership, the only document required when I enrolled my dependent (spouse / domestic partner) into the health plan. I am submitting the additional requested document under protest since I was not required to provide any additional document upon enrollment, nor is any additional document required under the health plan’s written terms.
What if I can’t find the requested documents?
If you have a marriage certificate, certificate of domestic partnership, or birth certificate but are unable to provide it because you cannot find it, we advise that you:
Request a replacement copy;
Make a copy of your request; and
Submit that request in response to the audit, with an explanation that you were unable to find the document, have made a request for a replacement and ask the County for an extension, explaining you will send the replacement copy as soon as you receive it.
What if I am unable to provide requested additional documentation?
If the document exists but is not easily accessible, we recommend you take steps to obtain a copy and follow the steps above. If you are unable to provide the additional documentation required – such as a joint bank statement, tax return or utility bill because such a document does not exist (for example, because you have separate bank accounts, only one party is listed in your utility bills or you have not yet filed your taxes) – immediately contact:
HMS Dependent Verification Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. (866) 365-7285
We are committed to challenging any unlawful action by the County resulting from the audit. If after submitting your response to the audit you receive any notice of termination, please contact us immediately.
In Solidarity,
Your Local 1014 Executive Board
We understand some people have not received their packets as of yet. If you haven't please call the above listed number to find out the status. remember the documentation they are asking for, according to the County of Los Angeles SHALL be turned in by July 15th or you run the risk of your dependents being dropped by the county.
Any questions please contact the hall at (310) 639-1014 or Email us at mail@local1014.org.
Two years ago today we posted the below information about the tragic loss of 19 Firefighters.
Please keep all 19 members and their families in your thoughts and prayers today. Remember one of our own families lost a bright, talented young son/firefighter in this tragedy and we will never forget Kevin Woyjeck
19 firefighters from the Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives tragically. It is being reported that 22 other firefighters were injured at the fire. While details continue to come in we ask that all firefighters remain aware of their surroundings, review fire orders and be careful during this fire season that is predicted to be one of the worst ever.
Watch our website for regular updates. In the meantime for the latest news click on any of the below websites for the late news.
Please keep those brave firefirefighters who gave their lives protecting the City of Prescott in your thoughts and prayers. Please also keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Representing over 3100 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat personnel
Happy Fathers Day!
Fathers' Day: is a celebration that started in 1910 honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Fathers' Day was created to complement Mother's Day, a celebration that honors mothers and motherhood.
While we will be pressed with a number of items and issues to deal with next week and long into our journey… things like the next pension assault initiative, securing a fair contract, protecting our retiree health care coverage, difficulties and adversities with fire department management, operational issues, LA RICS and Telecom industries continued attempts to look past our health and safety, EMS and Department funding, and many other important subjects that will test our resolve and our strength…. Tomorrow we can take time to let it all go and celebrate “Fathers”.
Whether it is our sons and daughters celebrating us as fathers, or remembering fathers who have passed, fathers who raised sisters and brothers now on the job, fathers that mentored, encouraged and led us all to take on one of the greatest careers in the world; take time to celebrate all that we have and remember our fathers.
We all have so much to be thankful for and we are proud to be part of one of the greatest “Unions” of men and women who make up the heart and soul of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. We are among the best in the world at what we do, and we work hard to accomplish everything we do as we serve the citizens. Celebrate and remember the different roles fathers have played in who and where we are today as members of this “Union of Firefighters and Paramedics and Fire Personnel”. How sweet it is!
Local 1014 Executive Board wishes all of the “Fathers” we will all remember and recognize a “Happy Father’s Day” and as always remember to celebrate responsibly. Be safe and smart whether at work or at home. You all know what that means; we speak to it often…live it. Enjoy your weekend!
In Solidarity, President Dave Gillotte and the Executive Board of Local 1014
Representing over 3100 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat personnel
Dependent Eligibility Verification
As you may or may not realize the County of Los Angeles is in the beginning stages of a Dependent Eligibility Verification (DEV) audit.
The County is asking every employee to submit new documentation to prove your relationships as well as your dependents eligibility for benefits.
The County Coalition of Unions (CCU), which 1014 is a part of, is ACTIVELY opposing the new additional documentation to verify eligibility.
Click HERE to read a CCU document for more information but in the meantime we STRONGLY recommend you not respond until all outstanding issues between labor and management are resolved.
This is an issue we have been addressing with the County and have not been able to resolve as of now and the County has chosen to move forward.
Any questions please call the hall at (310) 639-1014 or click HERE to send an email to your executive board.
Representing over 3100 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers, Pilots,
Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz Mat personnel
1014 articles
MORE LOCAL POLITICAL VICTORIES
FOR LOCAL 1014
Los Angeles County Fire Fighters Local 1014 once again made the difference in two of our great cities we protect. In close elections our support for candidates in the City of Carson and West Hollywood made the difference. In the City of Carson, a city in the running for a future site for an NFL team or two we helped elect Jawane R. Hilton to the Council giving us a solid majority voice and ear in the city with a great future and of substantial impact for LA County Firefighters.
We also posted a victory with our support of John Heilman on his way to win a seat in the special election in West Hollywood also securing our continued voice and ear in a fantastic partner city in LA County Firefighters contract cities. Congratulations to Jawane and John and we look forward to a continued dialogue and relationship with the elected bodies of both of these great cities and also congratulations to Los Angeles County Fire Fighters for our commitment to support those who support us. Political Action making a difference for our future.
Speculation of another public safety pension attack have been removed when right wing extremists Carl De Maio (former mayor of San Diego) and Chuck Reed (former mayor of San Jose) introduced a new statewide pension initiative designed to send all pension systems to a vote and impose a 401-K style savings plan in place of a secure pension for all new hires. This is the third time these two anti-public employee extremists have taken a shot at this and we will have to arm up and go to battle once again to protect our future and any traction point to go after current and retired employee’s pensions.
Local 1014 will once again be at the front of the battle lines to combat this move and these people hell bent on removing secure pensions and health care for public safety employees. This effort will be backed by the usual suspects again, Texas Enron billionaire John Arnold and his pals the Koch Brothers and their anti-worker politics, also in the billionaire club…. Read more.
Local 1014 posted a huge win in a David vs. Goliath battle to prevail on what should have been common sense and merit based science and math to never propose to erect cell antennas at fire stations. We brought the facts about cellular signal (Microwave Radiation) and it’s bad health effects and the property value decrease (21% plus) impact on citizens homes to the very people we serve, and the elected officials who represent them including the County Board of Supervisors, we were heard. They responded by eliminating the fire stations in the plan and move on to other areas. They only proposed these sites because a state law allows no environmental impact report or real public disclosure when constructing the towers in what amounted to “in the cover of darkness”.
The leveraging of public resources at risk to our health and property owner’s equity value was really to put a system into place that at best would be a back-up system for voice over broadband and was set up for video and data transmission only while our voice system and radio frequencies were being sold off and no real defense was put in place by our Department, LA RICS, or anyone else for that matter.
We ask “Can you Hear Us Now?”.
We have more to do to secure as best we can any other attack at the federal or state level to undo what we have done or change laws to open the door for these towers at stations statewide, and yes, they are in full swing to try again. It would be very nice to have the Fire Chief, the Department and the County take an ABSOLUTE position of opposition for our future. Stay tuned....
NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE
We continue to sit at the table with the County for 1014 bargaining table as well as the CCU. There has been many rumors about negotiations at the 1014 and CCU table as well as ALADS. At this point in time we have made an offer for 601/602 bargaining units and the County has made a proposal for the same. Remember 603/604 bargaining units contracts expire later this summer. We are not yet where we need to be in negotiations but we will get there. Both the County and 1014 are committed to reaching a fair contract for our members.
As a reminder watch the 1014 website as we update the negotiations tab every Friday. if you have any questions in the meantime contact VP Dave Morse or Director Andy Doyle.
Local 1014 has had quite a busy last few months to say the least.
As we all know by now, early Thursday morning at a commercial building fire one of our companies experienced a roof collapse that sent them through the building to the floor below. Other companies were just exiting the building when the failure of the roof happened. Fortunately, they exited without difficulties and were in position to return to the interior immediately to affect rescues for our brothers.
Three members of the crew were treated, transported and released. One member is still in the hospital. He will have a long healing period and he will need his brothers and sisters help. Stay tuned for more details on how you can help our brother.
Please keep our member and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
As we rest over this weekend, we must take time to remember those who have sacrificed so much to protect our way of life as Americans. Please join the entire Local 1014 Executive Board as we pause this weekend to reflect and remember all of the military personnel who have served or are serving our great Country. In all branches of service, Americans have proudly sacrificed so much to make America the greatest Country in the world. We proudly protect and serve the citizens within our great Country it is important to remember those who protect us and those who have given their all so that we may prosper and have the freedoms we enjoy.
These individuals come from all walks of life. As we set out to enjoy this long three day weekend, take time to watch the tributes. Look at a waving American Flag as you roll down the road. Don't let the sacrifices that are represented pass through you easily this weekend. Let the history of this Country and the memories of those who have served and given their all cause you to slow down and deeply reflect and pay your respects, pay our respects.
We would also like to once again take a moment to remind our membership to Drink Responsiblythis weekend. This weekend traditionally sees a lot of travel and with that a high level of alcohol related accidents. Don’t let yourself be one of those individuals who finds themselves in trouble. Limit your drinking! If you make a mistake and have too much to drink, think you might have impairment from drinking, or if you know you will be having a few and be over the limit, DON'T DRIVE. Get a room. Get a cab. Get a driver.
Please also make the effort to put away the phone, food and any other distractions that impair your driving. Keep you and your family safe and sound. Thank you to all members who will be on the line this weekend protecting and serving our citizens in Los Angeles County.
Local 1014 Salutes all those who have served and we remember your sacrifice.
Representing over 3100 Firefighters,
Paramedics, Dispatchers, Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Forestry and Health Haz-Mat personnel
1014 articles
Task Force Returns
This past week we have seen a few things that remind us of what makes our Fire Department so great. The members of USA-2 returned after weeks in Nepal from helping citizens in their time of great need.
The members of USA-2 returned after weeks in Nepal helping citizens in their time of great need.
On April 25, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake erupted approximately 85 miles east of the capital, Kathmandu, killing more than 8,000 people and destroying a half-million homes nationwide. Three weeks later the country was struck again by a 7.3-magnitude tremor near Mount Everest that killed more than 100 people and triggered fresh landslides.
Our members participated in rescues as well as building assessment for structural integrity and many other functions that they are trained to do. t is amazing to all of us how even though they could not get home initially due to circumstances beyond anybody’s control, they immediately went into action, deployed and began helping the citizens of Nepal when the second earthquake hit.
They returned home to a hero's welcome and now are taking a much deserved rest after long days of work and many hours of travel to get home.
The annual Los Angeles County Firefighter memorial was held on May 13th at the LA County Fire Department HQ. We honored those who have fallen and have given all for the citizens of Los Angeles County. This year as usual the Chaplains, Honor Guard, PIO, LA County Fire Pipes and Drums as well as everyone else involved did an amazing job honoring those whose names were already on the wall and also those whose names were added this year. The event concluded with a Local 1014 sponsored BBQ for the all the attendees.
Thank you to the Camp personnel and the cooks Brothers Glenn Goulet and Bob Haskell. In the last few years these members along with members of the Memorial Management team have done an incredible job honoring those members who lost their lives, as well as their families and our Department. Thank you for all your selflessness.
Added to the wall this year were: James F. Horton, Janet L. Chatelain, John D. Mazzocco and Darrell Rice.
When at LAO please take a minute and stop by the wall to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. They will never be forgotten.
LA Dodger Appreciation Night
Come celebrate your profession and be celebrated by the Dodgers and fans, and all for a good cause. The Los Angeles Dodgers will host its 2nd Annual Firefighter Appreciation Night on June 8, 2015 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets by May 22nd!
Exclusive Pre-Game Party - 5:00pm
Game time - 7:10pm
This special event ticket package includes your game ticket, a commemorative Dodgers Firefighter Appreciation Night t-shirt, and access to a pre-game reception at the historic 76 station. A portion of each ticket sold for this event will also directly benefit the California Fire Foundation.
Seating is limited for this event, so make sure to buy your tickets early – Deadline for purchase is Friday, May 22!
For more information or to purchase group tickets, please contact, Britni Howze at (323) 224-1304 or britnih@ladodgers.com.
With your ticket you will be able to:
Make it a family night and show your kids the joy of a baseball game while they see the support the Dodgers and the community have for firefighters.
Enjoy a VIP Party with family and friends at the exclusive all you can eat pre-party from 5pm-7pm.
Show off your gift - a Firefighter Themed T-shirt!
...and best of all, watch the Dodgers battle the Diamondbacks.
Everyone will enjoy this one of a kind event while supporting a good cause so get your tickets now! CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
Want to arrive at the game in style?
The Foundation has partnered with KLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services to offer discounted transportation packages for the night. Use the code CFFD10 and 10 percent of all bookings will be donated to the California Fire Foundation. Prices for the night are as follows:
Sedan: $420 flat
SUV: $560 flat
Mini Coach: $770 flat
6 PAX Limo: $490 flat
8 PAX Limo: $595 flat
8-10 PAX Sprinter Limo: $770 flat
50 Passenger Motor Coach: $1,000 flat
*All vehicles booked for 5 hours.
Call 877-936-5466 to reserve your ride for the night!
May is Mental Health Month
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. During the month of May, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the rest of the country are bringing awareness to mental illness. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care. Every year, the movement grows stronger. In 2013, President Obama proclaimed May as National Mental Health Awareness Month and brought the issue of mental health to the forefront of our nation’s thoughts.
We believe that these issues are important to address year round, but highlighting these issues during May provides a time for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of the tens of millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
This year's May is Mental Health Month Campaign and Toolkit will use the theme B4Stage4 and will focus on how people can address their mental health early, rather than at "Stage 4" - when symptoms are more severe, and recovery a longer process.
dev.flyer.6.18.15.pdf
