On July 24, the White House released its latest executive order, titled, “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” This order directs federal agencies to make it easier to involuntarily treat people with serious mental illnesses, with the reasoning - or “excuse” - that it will remedy homelessness. Addressing the critical nationwide homelessness crisis is important; however, this latest order threatens to undo decades of work that has decriminalized and destigmatized mental illness and homelessness, according to NAMI Illinois.
“It threatens the civil rights, access to recovery, and stability of individuals and families across the country. This is also a very real reminder of how important our collective voice is, especially in the face of these very serious threats to our lives, the lives of our loved ones and the lives of our friends, neighbors and community,” said NAMI Illinois Executive Director Sara Gray. “Standing alongside our NAMI community, NAMI Illinois opposes this order that will have devastating impacts in Illinois and far beyond. Join us in speaking out and standing up for all that we believe in. This is the work we do every day: advocating and giving a voice to the thousands of Illinoisans and their families who are impacted by mental illness.”
According to Gray, the mental health system is threatened by funding cuts and threats to the rights and dignity of our communities. Gray noted there are numerous strategies that will address mental health and housing crises while respecting the rights and dignity of all people, including:
• Reverse cuts to Medicaid included in the federal budget that will threaten the lives of hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans. Reducing access to care will not prevent, interrupt, or end cycles of crisis and houselessness.
• Implement policies and regulations that empower individuals and families to break out of cycles of crisis and continue their path to recovery.
• Increase funding for proven models, like supportive housing, housing first, and mobile crisis response.
• Fund early intervention resources, like school-based mental health programs and coordinated specialty care.
• Invest in care planning and support for people reintegrating into their community from inpatient treatment settings and other institutions.
'Mental illness is not a crime, and people living with it deserve care, not punishment. At NAMI Illinois, alongside our 21 local affiliates across the state, we see every day how community-based, compassionate support helps people with serious mental illness heal and thrive. Policies that treat mental illness and homelessness as public safety threats, rather than public health challenges, only deepen stigma and push people further from recovery,' Gray added. 'We will not stay silent as progress is rolled back. We will continue to advocate for what truly works: timely access to care, supportive housing, crisis services, and above all, respect for every person’s dignity and rights. Real change starts with compassion, not coercion, and we stand united in calling for solutions rooted in hope, recovery, and human dignity.”
NAMI Illinois is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental health disorders and their families through support, education, and advocacy.
