Alexandria, VA (March 12, 1999) Fighting for Parity in An Age of Incremental Health Care Reform is a "must have" document for any advocate working to end health insurance discrimination. This primer chronicles Vermont's passage of its mental health parity act in 1997.

"Fighting for Parity in An Age of Incremental Health Care Reform provides an excellent road map for other states to follow in fighting for parity in coverage of mental health and substance abuse needs," said Michael M. Faenza, President and CEO of the National Mental Health Association (NMHA). "The Vermont law continues to stand out as the nation's most comprehensive set of protections against health insurance discrimination."

In addition to a thorough review of lessons learned throughout the campaign, the primer focuses on:

• Developing Coalitions
  
• Developing Companion Legislation
  
• Implementing Parity After Victory
  
• Managing Media Campaigns
  
• Setting the Agenda
  
• Working in a Political Environment
  

Fighting for Parity in An Age of Incremental Health Care Reform is written by Ken Libertoff, Executive Director of the Vermont Association for Mental Health, with the support of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch of the Center for Mental Health Services.

It is available for $12.00 for orders of four or fewer and $10.00 for orders of five or more. Ordering information can be received by contacting NMHA at (800) 969-NMHA (6642).