A peaceful but passionate crowd gathered in front of the State Office Building to demand a state budget that maintains services and programs essential to individuals with mental illness.
The hourlong rally was covered by all three major television news stations, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and KQV Radio. Here is a story by the Trib: More Than 100 Rally Downtown To Protest State Budget Impasse.
Below Ashley Hardway from WTAE-TV prepares for a pre-rally interview with Sharon Miller, Director of Education & Community Relations at NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. View a video clip of Ashley's report here and an online article here
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NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's Executive Director Chris Michaels talks to WPXI Channel 11 News.
Protesters gear up for the rally.
KDKA-TV interviews longtime board member and advocate Dick Jevon of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. Here is a video clip (choose the "mental health advocate" clip in the video library) and an article on KDKA's website.
The crowd of over 100 listens attentively and applauds a great roster of speakers.
NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania and its community partners hope their voices will be heard far and wide to end the state budget impasse and restore much-needed services.
