WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 10, 2020) – We had an exciting new opportunity this week to amplify the conversation about our nation's behavioral health crisis and promote our important legislative agenda.
The White House invited the National Council to participate in a conversation about mental health and addiction, and I happily accepted the invitation to join the call on Thursday. As we work hard to raise awareness about the significant issue facing community behavioral health organizations, this platform provided another avenue to deliver that message.
I'm so thankful that the administration has demonstrated a willingness to address the nation's growing behavioral health crisis and thankful that they started a dialogue. We are committed to working with the administration on your behalf.
We appreciate this new dialogue with the White House. We also are continuing a very important conversation with lawmakers on The Hill over our request for emergency funding, so you have access to the financial resources you need to remain open throughout the pandemic.
As you know this week, we made an urgent request to Congress this week for $38.5 billion to support organizations that deliver mental health and substance use services because the pandemic caused by COVID-19 is decimating clinics and creating enormous barriers to access.
The funding request followed a plea to Vice President Pence last week to help locate personal protective equipment for behavioral health care providers.
I know so many of you are in the fight of your lives, but please understand we are doing everything we can to make sure you win this fight.
We have your backs.
Thanks.
Chuck
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Nicholas Thomas
National Council for Behavioral Health
540-834-7590
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