Mental Health America (MHA) invites you to the upcoming Regional Policy Council (RPC) Meeting: Why Addressing Mental Health Needs is Key to Budgeting and Legislating During COVID-19 and Beyond.

The day will begin with MHA affiliates from Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania honoring their governors with the B4Stage4 Leadership Award for excellence in mental health. At 9:30, a Legislative Town Hall will offer policy solutions to legislators, policymakers, and advocates on why mental health must be a priority during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. MHA screening data, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, has consistently shown extreme rates of depression and anxiety, increased isolation, loneliness, and suicidality. These threats to the health of all communities must be met with a thoughtful response from legislators as they determine how best to balance their budgets.

Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to participate in one of three breakout sessions to engage in dialogue with subject matter experts:

• Better Budgeting Before Stage 4 – Medicaid, Maternal Mental Health, Education in Schools, Equitable Recovery
• Crisis is Not A Criminal Justice Matter – Crisis Services, Resourcing the 988 Lifeline, Keeping Medicaid on Upon Arrest, Peer Support
• Saving Money by Assuring Access – Telehealth, Interstate Compacts, Step Therapy, and Parity

The program will conclude with a discussion among MHA affiliates about their priorities and advocacy strategies.

Presentation from: Moe Keller, Director of Advocacy, Mental Health Colorado, “Telehealth and Interstate Compacts”

Click here for more information and to register:

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