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Running head: LETTER

Advocacy Letter
Mary Ellen Cooper
Old Dominion University

LETTER

Advocacy Letter
Old Dominion University School of Nursing
2152 Health Sciences Building
Norfolk, VA 23529
May 26, 2015

The Honorable Gerald Connolly


2238 Rayburn HOB
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Connolly:


The legislation addressing community mental health is of vital interest to me because I am a
registered nurse who specializes in psychiatry. This issue directly impacts psychiatric patients in
terms of their rights as well as their quality of life. Of the two bills currently under review
pertaining to community mental health, the Strengthening Mental Health in our Communities
Act of 2015 HR 4574 (sponsored by Rep. Barber, Ronald) and the Helping Families in Mental
Health Crisis Act of 2015 HR 2646 (sponsored by Rep. Murphy, Timothy), I urge you to vote
for the Strengthening Mental Health in our Communities Act. Although it may appear, based
on superficial reading, that the Barber and Murphy bills are created equal, actually, upon perusal,
it becomes clear that only the Barber bill addresses a tremendous underlying issue in equal
treatment of those afflicted with mental health conditions: the issue of stigma.
Let me take this opportunity to first dispel some rumors from the Murphy camp regarding the
Barber bills potential negative effects on treatment options and family participation in the
treatment of the mentally ill. The Barber bill does not deny treatment so much as protect states
rights in choosing whether or not to allow forced treatment in their state. The Barber bill also
does not make an exception to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
laws for families of the mentally ill, and this is how it should be (Grohol, J. 2015).
I am most impressed with the Barber Bills proposal to address the lingering stigma of mental
illness through a national media campaign, something lacking in the Murphy bill. Numerous
negative stereotypes exist in regards to mental illness: violent, dangerous, incapable, weak, less

LETTER

intelligent, et cetera. Addressing these societal misconceptions could go a long way toward
improving the quality of life of psychiatric patients as these stereotypes drive disparities in health
care, education, and employment (Cummings, Lucas, & Druss, 2013, p. 781), all of which also
have an impact on society as a whole. One way to mitigate these negative stereotypes is through
education. The results from one study on the effects of education on the perception of mental
disorders conducted in a Vancouver high school demonstrated a 23 percent decrease in
stigmatizing beliefs among the students post mental disorders education (Ke, et al., 2015, p.
332).
Another aspect of the effects of stigmatization on the mentally ill, beyond the obvious economic
impacts to society, is the mentally ill persons self-perception the human factor. Unfortunately,
the mentally ill often buy into the negative stereotypes perpetuated about them, and consequently
suffer from low self-esteem (Sylvester, O. A., 2014, p. 20). The human suffering aspect of this
issue could be greatly ameliorated through the national awareness campaign proposed by
legislator Barber.
It also bears mentioning that the Barber bill has the support of many recognized psychiatric
advocacy groups, in addition to several professional and nonprofit organizations. Among the
many who stand in support of this law: Mental Health America, the America Psychological
Association, the National Association of School Psychologists, and The Bazelon Center for
Mental Health Law (Grohol, J. 2015).
Thank you for your consideration of my viewpoint on this matter. I believe it is an important
issue, and would like to see the Barber bill adopted in lieu of the Murphy bill due to its emphasis
on a national education campaign designed to reduce the stigmatization of persons with
psychiatric illness - a measure that will ultimately protect the rights of these citizens in terms of
healthcare, education, and employment. I am sure you will agree that this population of your
constituents faces enough challenges without the added burdens imposed by negative
stereotypes.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Cooper, R.N.

References

LETTER

Cummings, J. R., Lucas, S. M., & Druss, B. G. (2013). Addressing public stigma and disparities
among persons with mental illness: The role of federal policy. American Journal of
Public Health, 103(5), 781. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301224
Grohol, John, M. (2015). Psych central supports the Strengthening Mental Health in our
Communities Act (HR 4574). Retrieved from
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/05/19/psych-central-supports-thestrengthening-mental-health-in-our-communities-act-hr-4574/
Ke, S., Lai, J., Sun, T., Yang, M.H., Ching, J., Wang, C., Austin, J. (2015). Healthy young minds:
The effects of a 1-hour classroom workshop on mental illness stigma in high school
students. Community Mental Health Journal 51:329337. doi: 10.1007/s10597-0149763-2
Sylvester, O. A. (2014). Influence of psychological factors on self and perceived stigma and the
efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy in symptoms reduction among mentally ill
patients. Psychologia, 22(1), 11-22.

I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will refrain from
any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am
aware that as a member of the academic community it is my responsibility to turn in all
suspected violations of the Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.
Mary Ellen Cooper

LETTER

N492: Advocacy Assignment Grade Rubric


Grading Criteria
Introduction
Captures the readers attention; clarifies the
importance of the bill and issue for population, uses a
thesis statement to state the authors position.
[10 points]
Analysis of opposing arguments
Arguments against the writers position are addressed
and explanations are given as to why the opposing
argument is not as compelling, relevant or valid as the
writers argument. Citation should be used as rationale
for con position.
[20 points]
Argument and Support for your position
Writer provides a compelling, evidence-based case for
his/her position. Includes issue analysis and a thorough
explanation of why the reasons selected are the most
important and relevant to issue. Minimum
requirements: Include at least two reasons for
supporting the issue with rationale for each. Citations
should be used as rationale for pro position.
[30 points]
Conclusion
Arguments of the position are synthesized into a
conclusion to explain how the evidence provided
necessitates a specific course of action.
[10 points]
Use of Source Material

Comments

Points

LETTER
Writer has used at least three (3) sources to support
the pro and con arguments; sources are cited in text
and reference page per APA style.
[10 points]
Organization
Adheres to business letter format; is interesting, easy
to read and flows from one idea to the next.
[10 points]
Title Page, Spelling, Grammar, Honor Code
Correct title page format, spelling, and grammar.
Adheres to 2 page limit (except title, reference, honor
code and rubric pages).
[10 points]
Final Grade: (100 points)

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