Demand that Congress Restore our #Right2Research! Hello John, A new report on the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) research portfolio, written by Treatment Advocacy Center founder Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, Wendy Simmons, research assistant of the Stanley Medical Research Institute, Treatment Advocacy Center Director of Research Elizabeth Hancq and former Executive Director John Snook, published today in Psychiatric Services, reveals several startling statistics: Between 2016 and 2019, NIMH decreased research projects on bipolar disorder by 25% and projects on schizophrenia by 17.5%. Between 2003 and 2019, NIMH decreased support for treatment trials on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder by a whopping 90%. The NIMH received more than 6,000 comments in response to its draft release of its 2020-2024 strategic plan. NIMH did not include a single addition to clinical research from the suggestions it received. These appalling facts are consistent with former NIMH Director Dr. Thomas Insel’s previous admission that a mere 10% of NIMH research funds were dedicated to clinical research. Based on these findings, it is clear that the NIMH plans to continue to spend 90% or more of NIMH research funds on basic brain research which may, or may not, lead to improved treatments for mental illnesses in the distant future, ignoring the needs of those currently affected. This is wrong. We cannot accept this on behalf of some of the most vulnerable among us, our loved ones with severe mental illness. NIMH is publicly supported with your tax dollars and has an obligation to help people currently affected by mental illness. Traditionally, NIMH has divided its research funds 50-50, half to help those currently affected and half for future research. NIMH needs to return to that balance. Let’s tell Congress, which oversees NIMH’s budget, that we demand oversight. We demand change. We demand 50% for clinical research now. We urge you to write to key members who oversee NIMH’s budget if you are among their constituents. They include: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT; 3rd district) Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK; 4th district) Sen. Patty Murray (D-Washington) Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri). If you do not live within these districts, you can still make your voice heard. Reach out to your representatives using this link, by email, tweet, or phone, and ask them to share your demands with Appropriations leadership. When you write, please convey in your own words your dissatisfaction with NIMH for ignoring the needs of people currently affected with severe mental illnesses. Provide personal examples of how this affects yourself and your family. Tell your story, make your voice heard, and demand 50% for clinical research now. Share the campaign on your social media, using the hashtag #Right2Research, to amplify our message and spread the word. Our loved ones deserve no less. Yours for a better NIMH, Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, founder of Treatment Advocacy Center Lisa Dailey, acting executive director Thank you for your continued support of the Treatment Advocacy Center. Donate Treatment Advocacy Center | Website ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Treatment Advocacy Center | 200 N Glebe Rd, Ste 801, Arlington, VA 22203 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Customer Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!