CALIFORNIA CAMPAIGN

Help change stigmatized legislation in California for people with BPD to get treatment, not prison

Did you know that since 2018 people with BPD charged with a non-violent offenses in California have been incarcerated without access to mental health treatment?

According to Section 1001.36 of the California Penal Code, people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder are eligible for care, but due to stigma, people with BPD are not.

To learn more about this legislation, read here:    California Penal Code – Section 1001.36 – Pretrial diversion for persons with mental disorders

The California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies, Emotions Matter and the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD), and other mental health organizations are working together to change this, and we need your help.

Here are two actions you can take today to change this

1. Sign your Name to the Support letter. Click button below for the letter template. If you are signing as an individual, download the individual letter. If you are signing representing an organization, download the organization letter.

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2. Submit it to the California Legislature Position Letter Portal. (click below for step by step instructions on how to use the portal).

Let us know when you have submitted it here, or if you want to volunteer to help with this California advocacy campaign:

CA Diversion Bill Completed Letter Report Form

Do you have personal experience with borderline personality disorder and the criminal justice system?

Emotions Matter, the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder and the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies are working together with other mental health organizations to gather testimonials in support of including BPD as a diagnosis eligible for mental health treatment under the pre-trial diversion bill in CA.

If you or someone you know has BPD and been involved in the criminal justice system, we want to hear from you. Click the google form here to share your story.

We are seeking testimonials on how this bill will impact the community.

Thank you for sharing your stories with us! Testimonials will only be shared with your permission.