Virtual RPC Meeting and 2022 Governor's Awards
MHA's Regional Policy Council hosted its meeting coinciding with the National Governors Association Winter Meeting on Friday, January 28, 2022.
The meeting, Think Big, Act Locally, began with affiliates Mental Health Colorado and MHA of Arizona presenting MHA's Governor Leadership Award to Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. Following the Awards Ceremony, a federal overview and presentation about the newest federal comprehensive crisis bill was offered. The meeting continued with discussions from leading policy experts about high-priority state and local mental health issues amidst the landscape of COVID19. To conclude, a roundtable discussion occurred, followed by a live Q&A session about local advocacy efforts. During the Roundtable, MHA's RPC Representatives from the affiliate field presented advocacy strategies that led to state and county changes. See the detailed agenda below.
12 p.m.
Introduction and Housekeeping
- Debbie Plotnick, Vice President of State and Federal Advocacy, Mental Health America
12:05 p.m.
Welcome Remarks
- Schroeder Stribling, President and CEO, Mental Health America
12:10 p.m.
Governors Award Ceremony Honoring Gov. Jared Polis and Gov. Doug Ducey
12:25 p.m.
Federal Overview
- Mary Giliberti, Executive Vice President of Public Policy, Mental Health America
12:35 p.m.
Discussing Congressman Cardenas' 988 Implementation Act
- Eric Rafla-Yuan, MD, Jeanne Spurlock Congressional Fellow, Congressman Cardenas' Office
12:45 p.m.
Transitioning from Federal to State and Local Issues
Debbie Plotnick, Vice President of State and Federal Advocacy, Mental Health America
12:50 p.m.
Discussing State Issues
- Aaron "AJ" Walker, Policy Manager, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD)
1 p.m.
Discussing County and Rural Issues
- Jonah Cunningham, President and CEO, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developomental Disability Directors (NACBHDD)
1:10 p.m.
Roundtable with MHA's RPC Representatives
- Barbara Johnston, MHA in New Jersey
- Ben Harrington, MHA of East Tennessee
- Maryanne "Moe" Keller, Mental Health Colorado
- Shannah Mulvihill, Mental Health Minnesota
1:40 p.m.
Live Q&A with MHA's RPC Representatives on Advocacy Strategies at the State and Local Levels
2 p.m.
Conclusion