MHA's February 2021 RPC Meeting: Legislative Town Hall Presentations

Thank you to those of you who joined us for Mental Health America (MHA)'s recent Regional Policy Council (RPC) Virtual Meeting: Why Addressing Mental Health Needs is Key to Budgeting and Legislating During COVID-19 and Beyond.

This Legislative Town Hall offers policy solutions to legislators, policymakers, and advocates on why mental health must be a priority during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, MHA screening data have 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.

This meeting originally took place on February 12, 2021.

00:00 - Framing the impact of COVID-19 and importance of equity, Paul Gionfriddo of MHA
14:58 - Equitable Recovery, Anna Bailey of Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
33:26 - Medicaid, Adam Searing of Georgetown Center for Children and Families
40:58 - Maternal Mental Health, Dr. Kanika Harris of the Black Woman’s Health Imperative
46:00 - Criminal Justice Reform, Mark Heyrman of MHA
55:24 - Keeping Medicaid Coverage Following Arrest, Fred Ryan of Alkermes
59:02 - Telehealth & Interstate Compacts, Moe Keller of Mental Health Colorado
1:03:31 - Parity, David Lloyd of The Kennedy Forum
1:09:36 - Step Therapy, Charlie Husser of Alliance for Patient Access
1:15:56 - 988 and Crisis Services, Laura Evans of Vibrant Emotional Health
1:19:46 - Mental Health Education in Schools, Amy Molloy of MHA in New York State
1:25:35 - Peer Support, Kelly Davis of MHA