Advocacy Alerts
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Did you know that NBHAP members get access to our advocate in Washington, DC? He sends out monthly advocacy alerts that are only available to our members, and is open to questions and concerns. Members Login | Join BHAP
Advocacy Alert: 988 Lifeline Transition Begins July 16
The U.S. is getting close to the July 16 transition to 988.
Advocacy Alert: June 2022 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in June 2022.
Advocacy Alert: National Council for Mental Wellbeing Recognizes CCAPP
National Council for Mental Wellbeing recognized CCAPP for advocacy excellence.
Advocacy Alert: June 2022 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
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In the June 2022 update, our advocate covers the SAPT grant, the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2022, and the current mental health workforce shortage.
Advocacy Alert: May 2022 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in May 2022.
Advocacy Alert: Cassidy, Murphy Introduce Bill to Improve, Reauthorize Historic Mental Health Reform Act Before Expiration
BHAP is one of the organizations that support the Mental Health Reform Reauthorization Act of 2022.
Advocacy Alert: California: Behavioral Health Advocates Come Together to Respond to Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision
California’s Governor Newsom revised the budget.
Advocacy Alert: May 2022 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
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In the May 2022 update, our advocate summarizes the highlights of the president’s recently released National Drug Control Strategy.
Advocacy Alert: California: STOP the DHCS 63% Addiction Treatment Facility Fee Increase
California is set to increase addiction treatment fees. CCAPP urges you to oppose.
Advocacy Alert: April 2022 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in April 2022.
Advocacy Alert: Contact Your Rep Regarding Opioid Settlement Funds
BHAP urges states to develop a fair and transparent process for how opioid crisis settlement dollars will be spent.
Advocacy Alert: California Governor Gavin Newsom Signs SUD Client Bill of Rights into Law
California Senate Bill 349 was signed into law on April 13, 2022.
Advocacy Alert: April 2022 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
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In the April 2022 update, our advocate covers funding for SUD treatment and recovery services. The federal budget, SAMHSA’s SAPT grant, and other programs of interest are listed.
Advocacy Alert: March 2022 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in March 2022.
Advocacy Alert: CCAPP-Sponsored Substance Use Disorder Workforce Bill Becomes Law
California Assembly Bill 666 was signed into law on March 9, 2022.
Advocacy Alert: California SB 992: Licensure for Alcohol and Drug Counselors
California is one of only a handful of populous states that does not have a license for alcohol and drug counselors. SB 992 would change that.
Advocacy Alert: March 2022 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
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Kessler breaks down the key parts of President Biden’t State of the Union address and the White House’s plan to invest in SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Advocacy Alert: BHAP Supports Mental Health Parity Enforcement
BHAP encourages you to contact your representatives about mental health parity.
Advocacy Alert: February 2022 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in February 2022.
Advocacy Alert: CDC’s Draft Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids Open for Public Comment
The CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control is in the process of updating the 2016 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.
Advocacy Alert: February 2022 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
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Over thirteen years ago, our community celebrated the landmark passage of the Wellstone/Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Unfortunately, compliance with the law has been middling at best, and we have spent much time since the act’s passage trying to assure that its spirit is lived up to.
Advocacy Alert: Congress: Help Beat the Addiction and Overdose Crisis with End of Year Package
Ask Congress to support comprehensive legislation that will help treat addiction and save lives.
Advocacy Alert: Support Treatment Court Bill
CCAPP, in partnership with CSAM, have sent a letter in regards to the SUD workforce situation during COVID.
Advocacy Alert: January 2022 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in January 2022.
Advocacy Alert: Statement from SAMHSA Leader on FDA’s Drug Safety Alert on Buprenorphine and Risk for Tooth Decay
CCAPP, in partnership with CSAM, have sent a letter in regards to the SUD workforce situation during COVID.
Advocacy Alert: January 2022 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
The end of December and beginning of January are traditionally slow times in Washington D.C., but this gives us time to collect ourselves and look at priorities for the upcoming year — especially since the beginning of 2022 contains so much unfinished business from the end of 2021!
Advocacy Alert: CCAPP & CSAM Put Forth Emergency Workforce Plan to Increase SUD Counselor Wages and Salaries
CCAPP, in partnership with CSAM, have sent a letter in regards to the SUD workforce situation during COVID.
Advocacy Alert: December 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in December 2021.
Advocacy Alert: 2021 Year End Advocacy Update
BHAP’s advocate in Washington, DC, gives a year-end wrap up to legislation involving both behavioral health and addiction treatment.
Advocacy Alert: December 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about year-end updates from Congress, including OPCs, and SAMHSA.
Advocacy Alert: SAMHSA Extends the Methadone Take-Home Flexibility for One Year While Working Toward a Permanent Solution
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is extending the methadone take-home flexibilities for one year.
Advocacy Alert: November 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in November 2021.
Advocacy Alert: November 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about new leadership to several government organizations and an update on the federal budget and appropriations.
Advocacy Alert: October 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in October 2021.
Advocacy Alert: October 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about SAMHSA’s new Office of Recovery, the nomination of Dr. Rahul Gupta, and some requests for input.
Advocacy Alert: California Governor Vetoes AB 1542 “Locked Down Treatment”
California AB 1542 (Locked Treatment) was vetoed. Here’s more information about the bill and why it was vetoed.
Advocacy Alert: SAMHSA Launching New “Office of Recovery”
More information about SAMHSA’s new Office of Recovery.
Advocacy Alert: September 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in September 2021.
Advocacy Alert: Overdoses Don’t Have to Be Fatal
Shatterproof has a petition to demand increased naloxone access.
Advocacy Alert: September 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about overdose awareness, fentanyl restrictions, funding, and the Support Recovery from Addiction Act.
Advocacy Alert: August 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in August 2021.
Advocacy Alert: August 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the recovery efforts by the Senate, funding, and the state of the addiction workforce.
Advocacy Alert: July 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in July 2021.
Advocacy Alert: New Advocacy Webinar (“Moving On from COVID”)
The one-hour webinar is available to view for free, and gives participants an update as to advocacy efforts affecting the behavioral health industry.
Advocacy Alert: July 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the nomination of Rahul Gupta, a new rule for opioid treatment, and funding.
Advocacy Alert: Support the NOPAIN Act
The Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act would direct CMS to provide separate Medicare reimbursement for non-opioid treatments used to manage pain in both the hospital outpatient department (HOPD) and the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) settings.
Advocacy Alert: June 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in June 2021.
Advocacy Alert: Urgent: California AB 1542 Needs Your Input
California will have a hearing on June 29, 2021, on ABH 1542. Here’s some urgent news about it.
Advocacy Alert: Spread the Word about 988 Crisis Response
Faces & Voices of Recovery has an urgent petition for funding.
Advocacy Alert: URGENT Sign-On Letter: 10% Recovery Support Set-Aside
Faces & Voices of Recovery has an urgent petition for funding.
Advocacy Alert: June 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the Biden administration’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022, and how it affects the government organizations that work in or around behavioral health and addiction treatment.
Advocacy Alert: California — Show your Support of Workforce Funding (AB 666)
We explain California’s AB 666, and why you should send a letter to support it.
Advocacy Alert: May 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in May 2021.
Advocacy Alert: Illuminate the White House Purple This September – From Faces & Voices of Recovery
We encourage you to sign this letter of support from Faces & Voices on behalf of your organization asking President Biden to illuminate the White House in purple on September 30th, 2021, to honor National Recovery Month and International Recovery Day.
Advocacy Alert: Support the Mental Health Justice Act – From Partnership to End Addiction
BHAP advocates to support the Mental Health Justice Act to improve crisis response for people with substance use disorders. Here’s more information from the Partnership to End Addiction.
Advocacy Alert: May 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the new SAMHSA head, federal funding for fentanyl test strips, and limits on buprenorphine.
Advocacy Alert: California Department of Housing and Community Development Seeks Repeal of Sober Living Ordinances
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issued technical assistance and a notice of violation to Encinitas. We break down what that means.
Advocacy Alert: April 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in April 2021.
Advocacy Alert: Excellence in Recovery Housing Act Update
On April 21, 2021, U.S. Representative Trone (MD), Representative Chu (CA), Representative Levin (CA), and Representative McKinley (WV) introduced the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act in Congress. Here’s more information about it.
Advocacy Alert: April 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the Year One priorities of the Biden-Harris administration, and “CARA 3.0”.
Advocacy Alert: Biden-Harris Administration’s Statement of Drug Policy Priorities for Year One
On April 1, 2021, The Office of National Drug Control Policy released its statement of drug policy priorities for the Biden-Harris administration’s first year.
Advocacy Alert: March 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in March 2021.
Advocacy Alert: Updated Pennsylvania Regulations for Recovery Residences
On March 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) updated its Regulations on Standards for Drug and Alcohol Recovery House Licensure. Here’s some basic info about it.
Advocacy Alert: Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act Would Establish a Dedicated $4.5 Billion Fund to Build and Maintain Nation’s Public Health Infrastructure at Every Level
BHAP was one of over 120 organizations that endorsed new legislation that would establish a new core public health infrastructure program.
Advocacy Alert: March 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the latest COVID-19 relief package and some bills relating to recovery and addiction treatment.
Advocacy Alert: Persons with SUD Declared Eligible for Early Vaccination in California
CCAPP is pleased to announce that advocacy to ensure that clients receive priority vaccination has been cleared by the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Health Care Services.
Advocacy Alert: Model Recovery Residence Certification Act
The LAPPA (Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association) has a new publication: The Model Recovery Residence Certification Act.
Advocacy Alert: February 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in February 2021.
Advocacy Alert: The Addiction Recovery Community Unites for National Change!
37 addiction recovery advocacy organizations sent out a letter urging Congress to establish a dedicated Center for Addiction Recovery at The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Advocacy Alert: February 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act, and more.
Advocacy Alert: January 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in January 2021.
Advocacy Alert: Initial Findings: Improving Substance Use Treatment Outcomes During COVID-19
Our partner Faces & Voices of Recovery shares some findings and recommendations from a project to improve outcomes from substance use treatment and recovery services.
Advocacy Alert: January 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about some of the changes that the recent presidential election will hope to achieve, and some funding updates.
Advocacy Alert: DHCS Confirms Priority Vaccinations for SUD Counselors, Registrants, Staff
Our partner CCAPP is pleased to announce that advocacy to ensure that the SUD workforce is not forgotten in the vaccine priority schedule for California has been successful.
Advocacy Alert: Senators Stabenow, Blunt Secure Three Year Extension of Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act & Significant Additional Investment in Community Mental Health and Addiction Services
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) announced that they successfully secured $850 million in funding for the national Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grants program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes emergency COVID-19 assistance and federal funding for FY 2021.
Advocacy Alert: December 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in December 2020.
Advocacy Alert: 2020 Advocacy Year in Review Update
Our advocate Andrew Kessler gives an advocacy 2020 Year in Review.
Advocacy Alert: Insurance Commissioner Issues Memorandum for Plan Reviews to Assess Parity Compliance to Meet SB 855 Requirements
BHAP shares an alert from CCAPP about parity compliance for the state of California.
Advocacy Alert: Excellence in Recovery Housing Act
Information on the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act, which BHAP endorses.
Advocacy Alert: December 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act, the State Opioid Response Grant program, and working with the transition team.
Advocacy Alert: Dear President-Elect Biden…
BHAP is just one of many organizations that signed this letter to President-Elect Biden, urging a reprioritization of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
Advocacy Alert: November 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in November 2020.
Advocacy Alert: November 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he updates how the election will be shaping legislation, as well as updates to funding.
Advocacy Alert: October 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in October 2020.
Advocacy Alert: October 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding. He also provides information on the Family Support Services for Addiction Act.
Advocacy Alert: California Governor Signs Peer & Parity Bills
Governor Newsom has signed SB 803 and SB 885. Learn more about them.
Advocacy Alert: September 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in September 2020.
Advocacy Alert: Sign Petition to “Change the Name: End the Stigma”
The words that we use matter. We urge you to sign this petition to change the name of three federal agencies to get away from the word ‘abuse’ when it comes to addiction.
Advocacy Alert: Nominations Open for the Richard Lane/Robert Holden Patient Advocacy Award
Read about how to nominate someone for NAMA’s Richard Lane/Robert Holden Patient Advocacy Award.
Advocacy Alert: September 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding. He also provides information about some opioid-related legislation and some emergency department legislation.
Advocacy Alert: August 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in August 2020.
Advocacy Alert: August 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding.
Advocacy Alert: Congressman Kennedy Unveils Universal Mental Health Care
On July 21, 2020, Congressman Joe Kennedy III unveiled a resolution calling on Congress to pursue universal behavioral health care and address the systemic inequities that plague the current system. The Behavioral Health Association of Providers was one of the organizations that endorsed this proposal.
Advocacy Alert: July 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in July 2020.
Advocacy Alert: FCC Designates ‘988’ As 3-Digit Number for National Suicide Prevention Hotline Regulation Now in Effect
On July 16, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to establish 988 as the new nationwide 3-digit phone numbers for Americans needing help with suicide prevention. The Behavioral Health Association of Providers was one of the organizations that endorsed this proposal.
Advocacy Alert: Changes to 42 CFR Part 2 Regulation Now in Effect
SAMHSA has revised Privacy Rule 42 CFR Part 2 for substance use patients. Here’s a breakdown.
Advocacy Alert: July 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding.
Advocacy Alert: June 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in June 2020.
Advocacy Alert: June 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding.
Advocacy Alert: May 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in May 2020.
A national membership association that provides education and advocacy for those in the behavioral health and addiction treatment industries.
We are the leading and unifying voice of addiction-focused treatment programs.