Hi All:

This message is asking you to sign in on HB1028 on or before February 14th (next week). It takes only a couple minutes and submitting written testimony is optional - see "Submitting Testimony Online" below for instructions.

HB1028 updates RSA 135-C so that an individual shall not be determined ineligible for services on the basis of co-occurrence of mental illness and an intellectual or developmental disability.

Talking Points

This is your opportunity to let legislators know the impact this may have on you and/or your family member. For example, if you or your family member have a co-occurrence of both mental illness and an intellectual or developmental disability, have you been denied services in the past? If so, what was the impact on you? What would have been better if the services weren't denied?

Keep in mind that written and in-person testimony becomes part of the public record and is thus available to the public. As such, if you do not feel comfortable sharing personal information publicly, you might consider signing in on the bill without providing written testimony. Or, you might also sign in and then contact committee members directly.

Template for Testimony

The following is an example template to indicate support for the bill. You are welcome to write your own testimony from scratch to indicate your position. If you use the template, replace the words in italics with your information.

Date

Dear Chairman MacDonald and Members of the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee:

My name is Your Name and I live in Town, NH. I am asking you to SUPPORT HB1028 - relative to the definition of mental illness for purposes of the New Hampshire mental health services system.

I want to tell you a bit about (myself/my family member). (Share a brief paragraph about yourself or family member. Provide specific examples of a co-occurence of mental illness and an intellectual or developmental disability and how mental health services were denied as a result. If you are creating the testimony using Microsoft Word or other word processing software, consider providing a picture with a photograph of yourself or family member.)

Thank you, Chairman MacDonald and Members of the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee, for considering my testimony. I urge you to SUPPORT HB1028 - relative to the definition of mental illness for purposes of the New Hampshire mental health services system. This will help (me/my family member) live a full, inclusive, and productive life.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Your Address

Submitting Testimony Online

To register your opinion online, fill out this form - it takes less than a minute:

• Step 1: Fill out your personal information
• Step 2: Select Wednesday, February 14th
• Step 3: 
• Select the Committee: "House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs"
• Choose the Bill: "1:00pm - HB1028"
• I am: "A Member of the Public"
• I'm Representing: "Myself"
• Indicate Your Position on this Bill
• Step 4: Upload your testimony (option)
• Step 5: Review your information and click "Submit"

Viewing the Hearing

You can watch the hearing live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NHHouseofRepresentatives

If you wish to write testimony, please let me know if you would like help.

Thank you for your advocacy,

Will