Advocacy Alert: June 2024 Legislative News Round Up

July 4, 2024

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, NBHAP 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 NBHAP 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.

AL | New collaboration kicks off to address Alabama veterans’ mental health needs
Shared 6/12/2024
A new collaboration between the Alabama departments of Veterans Affairs and Mental Health has officially kicked off, aiming to see the agencies work together to improve both quality and access of mental and behavioral health care resources for veterans.

Congress reintroduces the Michelle Alyssa Go Act, a critical step for county behavioral health systems
Shared 6/13/2024
The Michelle Alyssa Go Act aims to modernize outdated federal restrictions on Medicaid-eligible psychiatric beds, bridging a critical gap in healthcare for those with mental health and substance use disorders.

GA | Georgia first lady makes pitch for people struggling to call 988 suicide prevention hotline
Shared 6/13/2024
The rollout in Georgia of the new national suicide prevention hotline is getting a boost from first lady Marty Kemp.

New Senate Report Blasts Residential Treatment Facilities That “Treat Children as Payouts”
Shared 6/14/2024
Kids experienced systemic abuse and neglect at the hands of four of the nation’s largest behavioral health providers.

VT | Rep. Balint introduces bill to expand mental health access for flood victims
Shared 6/18/2024
Barre, VT- Rep. Becca Balint is leading a push to increase mental health services for those affected by the devastating floods that hit Vermont last July.

UT | This legislation calls for 3 people with lived experience to serve on Utah's new behavioral health commission
Shared 6/26/2024
3 Utahns appointed to bring their lived experience to new Utah Behavioral Health Commission were confirmed by the Utah Senate this week.

ME | Report: Many young Maine children have an ongoing mental health condition
Shared 6/28/2024
A proposed federal law would help boost mental health resources in schools.

Questions? Concerns?

As always, we want your input.

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