MHA's Blog: Chiming In

Congratulations to Meagan Barnes, who was crowned Mrs. DC America last weekend. She’s chosen to use her platform to raise awareness for mental health issues (and Mental Health America).

Meagan is actively involved in the community and works tirelessly to bring mental health challenges to the forefront of discussions. She is the Founder of an online resource for women suffering from anxiety and panic disorders. She also is a blogger for EmpowHER.com, an award-winning social health company for women. Meagan is also known for hosting a bi-weekly support group where women who have anxiety and panic disorders, can connect with other women and share their stories and journeys. She has been nicknamed “The Angelic Warrior,” by her peers for her bravery in speaking up on issues regarding the mental health state of women.

View an interview she did the morning after her win at http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/03/meagan-barnes-crowned-mrs-d-c--86361.html

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Mental Health America will host a briefing by policy experts on critical mental health issues and their relationship to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Thursday, March 7, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Mary Agnes Carey of Kaiser Health News will moderate a distinguished panel, which includes representatives of Mental Health America’s Regional Policy Council (RPC), a network of affiliate leaders who monitor and advocate for ACA implementation efforts in the states.

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Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) has introduced the Mental Health in Schools Act to ensure that schools provide access to critical mental health treatment for kids who need and deserve these services.

The bill would authorize funding for grants to schools and community mental health centers to work with community-based organizations to expand access to mental health services for students. A House companion bill will soon be introduced by Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.).

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We are happy to reporr that the Gulf War Veteran who was being prosecuted for gun violations after calling a suicide hotline last year, will be offered court-mandated counseling at a new Veterans Treatment Court  that will avoid prosecution under an agreement reached last week.

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Urgent action is needed.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida recently terminated mental health and addiction service providers and is seeking new contracts at substantially reduced rates through its affiliate New Directions Behavioral Health. This could affect patient access to care.

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