Help those who can't help themselves! Severe Mental Illness effects an estimated 1 in 17, and mental disorders are estimated at 1 in 4 of the US population (www.nimh.nih.gov). This could be a family member, friend, neighbor, or loved one.... it is most likely we all know someone who is suffering from a mental illness. However how much support does the "system" provide And by system we mean: government, hospitals, police officers, judges, treatment centers, and anyone else who can and should help those who suffer with a mental illness. With such a dramatic number of people suffering with mental illnesses, why is the US lacking in funding and turning away those who desperately need help We need to stand up and speak out against this failing system! We need to change the way people react when hearing the words Mentally Ill! We need to make government aware of the traumatic consequences that can happen when millions of people with mental illnesses get left undiagnosed and untreated. The goal of this petition is to raise awareness and bring about governmental change through funding and education of mental illness. Please show your support and sign on to bring changes in our failing mental health system! This petition will be mailed to national, state, and local leaders involved in the mental health system on October 5, 2010: National Mental Illness Awareness Week.