Mental health advocates fill capitol rotunda

The 2018 Kentucky General Assembly session is halfway over, and rallies continue inside of the state capitol.

On Thursday, a group of advocates working for mental health filled the rotunda.

The group, from the Kentucky chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, outlined and discussed their priorities for the 2018 session.

They also heard from some lawmakers and State Treasurer Allison Ball.

Some of their priorities including Senate Bill 107, which would end the death penalty for some people with serious mental illnesses, another piece of proposed legislation that aims to help people with mental illness regain their independence, and their third priority is to get funding for community mental health services back in the budget.

It's a day that is very important to the dozens of advocates in Frankfort including Dante Murray, who knows firsthand the struggles as he continues his journey in recovery

"This rally helps especially those with mental illness know that people care about them and reasons for being here, their purpose, their agenda, they are here to let legislators know we want them on board we need their partnerships," said Murray.

Advocates say they have a lot of momentum, calling last session a successful one because of the passage of Tim's Law, which they are still working to implement.