KANSAS CITY, KS, February 09, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Families Rights Matter2 is a national movement founded by Kansas City, KS advocate Leon Shelmire Jr., calling for urgent reform to protect families during mental‑health emergencies. The movement is backed by the petition, "Reform HIPAA for Families' Rights in Mental Health Emergencies," which is gaining traction nationwide and globally.

Petition link:
https://www.change.org/p/reform-hipaa-for-families-rights-in-mental-health-emergencies (change.org in Bing)

A recent Kansas City Star article, "Federal cuts already hurting Missouri's mental health system," highlights the alarming failures the movement is fighting to change. The article describes a heartbreaking situation where a Missouri mother begged for help as her adult son spiraled into psychosis, only to face a system that is "already breaking." The mental‑health responder admitted they "already knew how this story ends" because Missouri's mental‑health safety net is "vanishing… one family, one call at a time."

This crisis is happening right now, every day, in Missouri, Kansas, and across the United States. Families are being turned away, denied information, and left without support during their most desperate moments. Under current HIPAA rules, families are often blocked from receiving critical information during mental‑health emergencies, even when their loved one is in clear danger.

Families Rights Matter2 is calling for common‑sense HIPAA reform, so families can:

- Communicate with medical staff during emergencies
- Receive updates about their loved one's condition
- Participate in safety planning
- Prevent avoidable tragedies

The need for change is clear. By supporting Families Rights Matter2 and advocating for reform, we can ensure that families get the help and support they deserve during mental‑health emergencies. Every voice, every action, and every effort counts.

To support this movement, sign the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/reform-hipaa-for-families-rights-in-mental-health-emergencies (change.org in Bing)

"Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future. By working together, we can make this world better than we found it, one step at a time. Let's join forces to support Families Rights Matter2 and advocate for the change that families need. Every voice, every action, and every effort counts. Together, we can make a positive impact and bring about lasting change." - Leon Shelmire Jr

About Families Rights Matter2
Families Rights Matter2 is a faith‑rooted national movement founded by Kansas City advocate Leon Shelmire Jr. and dedicated to protecting families during mental‑health emergencies. Grounded in compassion, unity, and the belief that every family deserves support in their darkest moments, the movement advocates for common‑sense HIPAA reform and stronger crisis‑response systems. Through prayer, community action, and national outreach, Families Rights Matter2 works to ensure no family faces a mental‑health emergency alone.

Join the movement and sign the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/reform-hipaa-for-families-rights-in-mental-health-emergencies (change.org in Bing)

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