Dear Association Executives - On September 21, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID) issued a request for information (RFI) soliciting policy proposals to address unmet mental health needs.
They have now extended the deadline for submissions of "evidence-based solutions and ideas" to November 15.
Attached please find the National Council's submission.
Committee leaders are specifically seeking solutions and ideas in these areas:
- Strengthening the workforce
- Increasing integration, coordination and access to care
- Ensuring parity between behavioral and physical health care
- Furthering the use of telehealth
- Improving access to behavioral health care for children and young people
See - https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/wyden-crapo-solicit-policy-proposals-to-address-unmet-mental-health-needs. Also attached please find the full letter seeking submissions.
This request is the start of a process to "develop bipartisan legislation to address barriers to mental health" and is a terrific opportunity to help improve policy impacting our members.
If have any questions or if you would like guidance on preparing a submission, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Stephanie Katz
Assistant Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Direct: 509 594-9105
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Neal Comstock
Director of Membership
National Council
NealC@TheNationalCouncil.org202 748-8793
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