Support NAMI CA Every Tax Season
Support NAMI California’s Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund – Line 445 on Form 540
The National Alliance on Mental Illness California Chapter (NAMI California) is once again proudly sponsoring the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund this tax season. The fund supports an innovative program that provides training, tools, and resources to law enforcement agencies to safely interact with and support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Californians can support mental health and public safety by donating to the “Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund” — Line 445 on Form 540.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 25% of fatalities and 40% of injuries in officer involved shootings involve a person with a mental illness.
There are no winners in these situations. Individuals and families in crisis suffer while officers are faced with extraordinarily difficult circumstances, often leading to their own mental health challenges. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, we can do more to protect and support the officers who put their lives on the line to keep California safe.
“Increased training is invaluable to safely engage people living with a mental health illness ensuring the best outcomes for all involved in an officer interaction,” said Jessica Cruz, CEO of NAMI California. “Programs like these promote the safety of both law enforcement officers and the people experiencing a mental health crisis by providing resources and information.”
NAMI California experts and public safety leaders agree that increased support and education for law enforcement officials is critical to safely engage people living with a mental illness. With these skills, officers can connect people experiencing a mental health crisis to treatment, counseling and other supports aiding in recovery.
The Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund will afford California communities:
- Increased law enforcement training — Providing officers the tools, resources, and support to safely engage individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Solution-oriented mental health advocacy — Advocating for those who are struggling with their mental health by working alongside California’s law enforcement community to shatter stereotypes and stigma associated with mental illness.
- Actionable support for California families — Providing families and loved ones who care for individuals living with mental illness the peace of mind that California is taking measurable steps to empower and train law enforcement officers to safely de-escalate an interaction with a person experiencing a mental health crisis.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 25% of fatalities and 40% of injuries in officer involved shootings involve a person with a mental illness.
There are no winners in these situations. Individuals and families in crisis suffer while officers are faced with extraordinarily difficult circumstances, often leading to their own mental health challenges. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, we can do more to protect and support the officers who put their lives on the line to keep California safe.
“Increased training is invaluable to safely engage people living with a mental health illness ensuring the best outcomes for all involved in an officer interaction,” said Jessica Cruz, CEO of NAMI California. “Programs like these promote the safety of both law enforcement officers and the people experiencing a mental health crisis by providing resources and information.”
NAMI California experts and public safety leaders agree that increased support and education for law enforcement officials is critical to safely engage people living with a mental illness. With these skills, officers can connect people experiencing a mental health crisis to treatment, counseling and other supports aiding in recovery.
How You Can Support the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund
California taxpayers can make a voluntary contribution to the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund when filing for their income taxes. Simply check the box that reads “Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund” on the contributions page and donate to the dollar amount of your choice (line 445 on Form 540). Voluntary contributions may also made on the 540 2EZ, 540NR Long or Short Form and 541, Schedule C.
Mental health is more important now than ever before, so please help us get tax filers to give a little of what they are getting back to support health and safety for all Californians!
Tax Campaign Reports
NAMI CA partners with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, and California’s legislative community to decrease the number of violent encounters when officers respond to a person experiencing a mental health crisis. This partnership created the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund, which is an innovative program that provides training, tools, and resources to law enforcement agencies so they can safely interact with and support people during a mental health crisis.
Our work to bridge the gap between mental health and public safety is moving forward thanks to this success. These funds will support mental health crisis intervention strategies.
Contributions will help support and expand the successful mental health crisis intervention strategies. To date, over 10,000 law enforcement personnel have received training on de-escalation skills, scenario-based training for mental health crisis response, instruction from experienced officers, including input from individuals and families impacted by mental illness. Funding will also be used to expand work to provide internal support groups for officers, leadership training and greater coordination with community organizations. Training and support will be constantly updated to ensure it takes advantage of the latest tools and technologies.
In partnership with the CHP, NAMI CA will ensure contributions to the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund are properly managed using the SAFE California Model. This guarantees the program operates on best practices, enabling police officers to have safe and peaceful encounters with persons living with a mental illness.
Please note: you can still contribute to the Tax Fund when you file an extension.