Advocacy Alert: January 2023 Legislative News Round Up

February 2, 2023

For those of you who follow us on social media know, we post news stories on a daily basis that are connected to the behavioral health and addiction treatment industry.

Many of these are news stories regarding legislation, so once a month we send out a 'news roundup' of related news stories we've posted. Unless otherwise stated, BHAP has no official stance on any of these stories: the intention is to share so that we're all better informed as to what's happening in the legislative world.

A reminder that BHAP members get access to a monthly update with our advocate in Washington, DC, to find out what is going on and ask any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us for more information on that.

B.C. poised for drug decriminalization experiment, but will it help stem deadly tide?
Shared 1/3/2023
The latest data from the BC Coroners Service show that about 14,000 people have died since the province declared a public health emergency in 2016, with most of the deaths occurring in private residences. Illicit fentanyl was involved in 87 per cent of deaths in 2021.

WA | Gov. Inslee previews legislative ask on behavioral health
Shared 1/3/2023
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee, speaking from the University of Washington Medical Center Northwest in Seattle at a Friday morning press conference, mentioned in broad terms five behavioral health policy proposals he would be asking of lawmakers during next year’s legislative session that is a month away.

AZ | Gov. elect Katie Hobbs announces health and human services cabinet members
Shared 1/3/2023
“These are some of the best minds Arizona has to offer, and I am proud that they have chosen to serve the people of Arizona by my side,” said Governor-Elect Hobbs.

KS | Federal funds to help Kansas fight opioid crisis
Shared 1/4/2023
Millions in funding for child drug addiction prevention will be poured into Kansas communities where children are more at risk of exposure to opioids and drug abuse.

AR | Mental and Behavioral Health in Arkansas
Shared 1/5/2023
The Arkansas Legislative Council received a report regarding the state of mental and behavioral health in Arkansas.

SAMHSA releases 2021 survey on mental health, substance use
Shared 1/6/2023
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced the results of its annual national survey on drug use and health for 2021.

WY | A mental and behavioral health committee is being revived in Campbell County
Shared 1/9/2023
It includes representatives from both county and city government, the hospital, local law enforcement, the county commission, and Gillette College, in addition to local political leaders, among others.

SD | Crisis care centers to seek aid from South Dakota lawmakers in 2023
Shared 1/10/2023
Three crisis care centers in South Dakota that got a boost from federal funding are likely to seek additional state money for ongoing operations, and that could spark debate among legislators.

VT | On his ‘first day,’ U.S. Sen. Peter Welch talks opioid crisis in Rutland
Shared 1/10/2023
In what he called his “first day” as a U.S. senator, Peter Welch, D-Vt., returned to Vermont to discuss the opioid epidemic.

U.S. FDA panel to review Emergent's OTC opioid overdose drug
Shared 1/11/2023
The U.S. health regulator said on Tuesday its advisory panel will meet on Feb. 15 to review Emergent Biosolutions Inc's (EBS.N) over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray to treat suspected opioid overdoses.

OH | DeWine, Summa's moves to improve Ohio's mental health care welcomed
Shared 1/12/2023
Ohio's COVID governor wants to make his mark on another critical health priority impacting at least one-fifth of the population and their loved ones.

WV | Tougher laws considered for recovery homes
Shared 1/17/2023
The proposal, Senate Bill 147, is a pilot program that would impact recovery homes in Cabell County, residences also referred to as sober living homes.

NY | Cautious policies for opioid crisis miss the mark, advocates say
Shared 1/18/2023
Gov. Kathy Hochul devoted a portion of her policy agenda to the continuing opioid crisis. But some say there's more to be done.

CO | More funding, support and innovation coming for behavioral health in Colorado
Shared 1/18/2023
Fueled by rising need, Colorado's agency to bolster behavioral health workers is just getting started.

MI | MDHHS launches county-level substance abuse vulnerability index
Shared 1/19/2023
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has a new tool in its fight against substance abuse.

MO | Parson proposes using $3.5 million to add more mental health resources
Shared 1/20/2023
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson proposed to use $3.5 million to increase the number of youth behavioral health professionals across the state.

Hearing set for bill to expand access to opioid overdose meds
Shared 1/24/2023
Senators are proposing easier access to medication that could potentially save the life of a person overdosing on opioids like heroin or fentanyl.

VA | Virginia students lobby for better mental health services
Shared 1/24/2023
Virginia students are urging state lawmakers to improve mental health services, especially in schools.

CA | State launches $100 million campaign to destigmatize youth behavioral health
Shared 1/25/2023
The California Department of Public Health is offering $100 million in grants to raise public awareness of youth mental, emotional and behavioral health issues, the agency announced Tuesday.

OR | Lawmaker proposes legislation to address opioid overdoses
Shared 1/26/2023
Rep. Maxine Dexter’s legislation would make naloxone more available to treat opioid overdoses as the epidemic ravages Oregon.

MT | Montana Democrats propose $20 million in immediate funding for behavioral health
Shared 1/26/2023
Montana Democrats are proposing an immediate injection of $20 million into the state’s behavioral health system, saying the system is facing imminent collapse.

Questions? Concerns?

As always, we want your input.

A reminder that BHAP members get regular access to our advocate in Washington, DC. If you have any questions about BHAP's advocacy efforts, please contact us.