Congressional Briefing Scheduled for Tuesday May 8

Here's How You Can Help

It is important for as many congressional offices as possible to attend the event to help it be successful in raising awareness. Members of Congress and their staffs consistently tell us that they attend events like this when requested by their constituents. We feel, therefore, it is crucial for each and every person impacted by the disorder to call and/or write their Representative and Senators to urge that they or their staff attend the briefing.

There is strength in numbers. We at NEABPD hope you will join this effort!

Please:

(1)	place a brief call to the main phone number for your Representative and/or Senators, and ask to speak or leave a message with the office's Health Legislative Aid or Legislative Director. Your message can call attention to the May 8 event, urge attendance, and say that you'd like to learn afterward if the Member of Congress or a staff representative was able to attend; and/or

(2)	send an e-mail or fax - a suggested message is below. (Letters sent by US mail are usually delayed for several weeks due to security measures.)

To learn how to contact your Members of Congress:

Go to http://www.house.gov/ and http://www.senate.gov/ - they will lead you to your Members' webpage with "Contact" information.

Or call (202) 224-3121 for Congress' main switchboard and they can direct you.

SAMPLE E-MAIL/FAX TO CONGRESS

Subject:	Please attend Borderline Personality Disorder Briefing - May 8, 12:30-1:30, Capitol, Room HC8

Dear _______________:

As your constituent, [and as someone who is aware of the devastating effects of borderline personality disorder,] I urge you to attend the Congressional Briefing on Borderline Personality Disorder sponsored by Representatives Tom Davis (R-VA) and Nita Lowey (D-NY) on May 8th from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, in room HC8 of the Capitol (lunch included).

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a devastating psychiatric disorder that centers around the inability to manage emotions effectively. BPD is a leading cause of suicide. The symptoms also include destructive impulsivity, rage, bodily self harm, chaotic relationships and fear of abandonment. BPD is at least two decades behind in research, treatment options and family education compared to other major psychiatric disorders. While some persons with BPD are high functioning in certain settings, their private lives may be in turmoil. Others are unable to work and require financial support. The high prevalence of BPD and its high personal, social and economic toll make it a national public health burden.

Please attend this Congressional Briefing on Borderline Personality Disorder, and learn more from a panel of experts about this devastating disorder. I would appreciate learning afterward if you or a representative from your office was able to attend.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]