Virtual RPC Meeting: Info you can use to inform your state's policy priorities
Please join us for our first Regional Policy Council meeting of 2024 for a discussion of "Info You Can Use to Inform Your State's Policy Priorities." This will be a virtual event from noon - 3 p.m. on February 22, 2024. Note: All times are Eastern Standard Time.
RPC Meeting Agenda
The meeting will kick off with the 2024 Governors Mental Health Champion Award presentation to Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. Mental Health America policy experts will then highlight states' policy priorities and provide evidence and data to inform advocacy for the 2024 legislative sessions. Topics will include parity, 988, workforce, peers, housing/homelessness, and more.
Speakers include
- Ben Harrington, CEO of Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, speaking about new directions for advocacy, co-occurring disorders and opioid settlement funds
- Kelsie George, the National Conference of State Legislatures, speaking on common challenges across states and actions relating to peer support specialists
- Laura Evans, AVP Public Policy and Government Affairs, Vibrant Emotional Health, speaking on 988 legislation in states
- Marcella Maguire, Director of Health Systems Integration at the Corporation for Supportive Housing, will discuss messaging housing/homelessness with state legislators.
- Lauren Foster, Principal Program Manager at BlueCross BlueShield Minnesota, will discuss paying for peers through private insurance.
- Debbie Plotnick, EVP of State and Federal Advocacy at Mental Health America national, speaking on helping people access medications that are right for them
- Tim Clement, VP of Federal Government Affairs at Mental Health America national, speaking on shoring up parity in the states
- Nate Tatro, VP of Alliance Development at Mental Health America national, speaking on what you need to know about AI and privacy