Media Advisory

For Release  September 16, 2003

Contact: Celisia Street , 518-463-4741x 22

Social Workers Urge State Legislators to Pass Timothy's Law in Upcoming Rally

 Albany, NY- On Tuesday, September 16, 2003 members of the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-NYS) will join mental health advocates from across the state at a rally to urge state lawmakers, returning for a brief session, to pass Timothy's Law. 

Hundreds of supporters, including Timothy's friends and family, will gather in Albany 's Washington Park and at 4:00 p.m. , will make their way to the East Steps of the State Capitol where the rally is expected to begin at approximately 4:30 p.m.   Speakers will include Tom O'Clair, the father of Timothy O'Clair, the 12 year old Rotterdam boy for whom this legislation is named.  Recording Artist Nikki Cleary, a childhood friend of Timothy's will be performing.  

The rally follows a Senate Minority Hearing on Timothy's Law, held on Wednesday, September 10^th where testimony was offered on the merits of the legislation which seeks to alleviate inequities that exist in mental health and substance abuse insurance coverage.   "How can a great state such as New York continue to allow its citizens suffering from mental illness and chemical dependency to go untreated, under-treated, and unfairly treated?" said Melissa Devine , Executive Director of NASW-NYS.

NASW-NYS and other bill supporters have also teamed up with Minds of Steel, a non-profit organization which promotes the positive effects of physical fitness in addressing and preventing mental illness, especially in children.  On September 20, 2003 Minds of Steel will host their 2^nd Annual Master of the Mountain Hike-A-Thon in three sites across the state.  These events are held in memory of Timothy O'Clair.  One-third of event proceeds will go to fund fitness programs benefiting children living with mental illness at Northeast Parent & Child Society where Timothy received services.

The National Association of Social Workers- New York State Chapter (NASW-NYS), in Albany , NY , is a membership organization of professional social workers with more than 12,000 members statewide.  It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers.  NASW-NYS also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities through advocacy.