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NAMI Vermont urges lawmakers to treat mental health as 'brain health,' launches youth advocacy cohort
Summary
At the House Health Care Committee's Mental Health Advocacy Day, NAMI Vermont outlined free statewide programs, announced a youth advocacy cohort for ages 14+ beginning January 2026, and invited legislators to mentor and attend its May 16 'United Day of Hope' walk to support services.
Kathleen Kilflore, events and fundraising coordinator for NAMI Vermont, told the House Health Care Committee on Jan. 29 that the statewide nonprofit frames mental health as "brain health" and provides free, volunteer-run education, support and advocacy services across Vermont. "We have heart health, we have lung health, and we have brain health," Kilflore said, arguing that clearer language could reduce stigma and improve access.
Kilflore summarized NAMI Vermont’s core services — parenting classes, support groups (in-person and remote) and public presentations — and emphasized the group’s reliance on lived experience. She cited state statistics provided in testimony: mental illness…
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