RPC Meeting: Winning the Race Against Criminalization
Please join us for our in-person Regional Policy Council meeting “Winning the Race Against Criminalization: Deflecting, Diverting, and Directing. " This event, which coincides with the National Council for State Legislators in Louisville, Kentucky, will be held at The Louisville Marriott Downtown and will take place from 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on August 6, 2024.The Affiliate only dinner (by invitation) will be held on the evening of August 6th.
RPC Meeting Agenda
The meeting will begin with a legislative award breakfast honoring Mental Health America’s 2024 State Legislative Mental Health and Substance Use Champions.
Local and National policy experts will highlight states' policies and programs that work to deflect people with mental health and substance use challenges away from criminal justice involvement. Participants will learn about innovative thinking regarding the criminalization of social drivers, pregnancy, and people in crisis and those experiencing homelessness.
Presentations
Growing Deflection Nationally: Locally and Across the States: Daniel Meloy, Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety (Ret.) and National Director of Operations at O2SL and QRT.
The Criminalization of Pregnant Bodies: Kulsoom Ijaz, Senior Staff Attorney at Pregnancy Justice
Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program: Liz Atwell Executive Director at Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky & Southwest Ohio
Mental Health for Moms and Birthing Persons: Survivors of Pregnancy-Postpartum Depression: Tonya Fulwider, Co-founder of POEM (Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms) at Mental Health America Ohio.
The Criminalization of Homelessness: Impact on People with Behavioral Health Challenges, their Supporters and Advocates: Marcella Maguire; Director, Health Systems Integration, Corporation for Supportive Housing.
Please send your nominations for the Legislative Champion Award to Elisha Coffey at ecoffey@mhanational.org by July 1.