March 2024

Vibrant Emotional Health Launches Public Policy & Government Affairs Website

We are excited to announce the launch of our latest initiative in advancing mental health advocacy: the Public Policy & Government Affairs (PPGA) website. Accessible at vibrant.org/publicpolicy, this platform empowers advocates, policymakers, and the public with resources and information to drive positive change in mental health policy.

At Vibrant Emotional Health, we recognize policy's critical role in shaping mental health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to care. With the launch of the PPGA website, we aim to provide a centralized hub for individuals and organizations passionate about mental health advocacy.

Read more about the website here. 

Vibrant Emotional Health Leaders Advocate for Mental Health on Capitol Hill

In March, Dr. Tia Dole, Vibrant Emotional Health's Chief 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Officer, and Grant Riewe, the organization's Chief Technology Officer, had the opportunity to address the Senate Mental Health Caucus and esteemed members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

They also participated in a critical press conference where the FCC announced its commitment to advancing rulemaking in geo-routing.

Click here to see photos from the day.

Mental Health Wins in the Federal 2024 Budget 

Thank you to all our advocates; the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Budget had significant mental health wins, including increased funding for Vibrant's top federal priority, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In this tight fiscal environment, receiving an increase is a MAJOR win. 

The Federal Fiscal Year 2024 budget for health and human service programs was signed into law with several mental health highlights.

Click here to read some of the highlights.

Vibrant Commends U.S. House of Representatives for the Passage of the 988 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act

Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), the administrator of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline), commends the U.S. House of Representatives for taking steps towards safeguarding the nation's mental health infrastructure by passing H.R. 498, also known as the "9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act." Spearheaded by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), this bipartisan initiative seeks to bolster the security and reliability of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, shielding it from potential cyber threats and ensuring seamless access to critical services for those in distress.

Click here to read more.

Driving Change: Vibrant's Advocacy Efforts on Mental Health Hill Day

As an affiliate of Mental Health America (MHA), the Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) Public Policy & Government Affairs team joined advocates from across the country on February 29th for MHA's virtual "Hill Day." Vibrant's State Policy Managers met with twelve congressional offices urging legislators to take action on mental health issues.

To learn more about the actions, please click here.

Empowering Youth Voices: Reflecting on Mental Health Matters Day 2024 in Albany, New York

In the heart of Albany, New York, on March 13, 2024, Lisa Elder, Vibrant's State Policy manager for New York, joined over 300 high school students and advocates who converged upon the Empire State Center for Mental Health Matters Day. Organized annually by the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS), this event serves as a platform for individuals and organizations to advocate for policies that promote mental health awareness, education, and support across communities.

This year's event marked nearly thirty years of MHANYS' tradition of rallying for mental health causes. Teaming up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Mental Health Matters Day drew a diverse crowd, including mental health associations, allied organizations, youth groups, and school representatives, united in their commitment to advancing mental health initiatives.

Click here to read more about Lisa's experience.

Vibrant Calls on NYC Leaders to Prioritize Peer Support Specialists for Comprehensive Mental Health Services 

In March, Vibrant Emotional Health submitted testimony to the New York City Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction Committee for the preliminary budget hearing. As the city faces escalating mental health challenges, the need for comprehensive and inclusive care has never been more pressing. Our message was clear: it's time for action to expand mental health services and bolster support for our invaluable workforce.

Read about Vibrant's requests here.

Ending Treatment Delays: Advocating for Accessible Mental Health Care in New York 

Everyone deserves timely and appropriate access to effective mental health treatment. That's why Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) is supporting legislation in New York (S6688A), which seeks to amend the insurance law to prohibit the application of fail-first or step therapy protocols for diagnosing and treating severe mental health conditions.

Click here to learn more about why this is such critical legislation.

Securing Essential Funding for New York's Older Adults 

Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) has joined over 125 organizations across New York State to advocate for vital funding for older adults. Together, we've endorsed a letter urging Governor Kathy C. Hochul and legislative leaders to prioritize critical funding required for New Yorkers to age with dignity and independence.

The State Legislature outlined its unwavering commitment to aging services in the One House budget it released last week. Their proposal includes $42 million to end the statewide home and community-based services waitlist. They have also proposed millions to expand NORC programs, increase oversight of long-term care facilities, restore funding for nursing services, and more. 

Please click here to read more about how older adults in New York will benefit.

Vibrant Issues Pledge to Transform Mental Healthcare System 

Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) is pleased to join The Kennedy Forum’s Alignment for Progress Movement to transform the United States’ mental health and addiction systems. Recognizing the vital safety net crisis services provide for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, Vibrant commits to expanding equitable access to mental health crisis support services by expanding crisis contact center supports, enhancing the user experience, and leveraging technological innovations to increase engagement. 

Over the next five years, Vibrant priorities include: 

• Accelerating access to equitable mental health support through increased support for marginalized populations 
• Championing the development and implementation of effective behavioral health policy, advocacy, and funding
• Advancing technology-enabled improvements in mental health by leveraging innovative technology that can increase the coordination across the care continuum;
• Addressing the social drivers of mental health to move further upstream and increase mental health protective factors.

Click here to read more.

Vibrant Partners in Premier of New Suicide Prevention Documentary

In early February, Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) was pleased to attend the premiere of Five Lanes Crisis Partners' new documentary film Moving America's Soul on Suicide. Vibrant is grateful for the generous hospitality of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, which brought together leaders across the crisis continuum to hear stories of survival and hope shared in the film.

Click here to read more and watch the film.

Enhancing Mental Health Support: North Carolina Launches State Peer Warmline

In a significant move to bolster mental health support, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) introduced an additional phone support service on February 20, 2024. This state peer warmline is designed to complement the existing North Carolina 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, offering callers the option to connect with a peer support specialist.

Individuals grappling with mental illness or substance use disorder now have a valuable resource in the form of the state peer warm line. Accessible by dialing 1-855-PEERS NC (1-855-733-7762), this service collaborates with the North Carolina 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Callers to 988 also have the choice to connect with the Peer Warmline if they prefer speaking with a peer support specialist.

The decision to integrate peer support into the mental health helpline services stems from the understanding that many individuals find solace and assistance in speaking with someone who has lived experience. The NCDHHS 988 Performance Dashboard reveals that over 40% of 988 callers are repeat callers, underscoring the importance of ongoing support. The introduction of the state peer warmline aims to address this need and enhance the overall effectiveness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

To read more about this initiative, please click here.

President Biden Announces New Landmark Rule to Protect Americans from Junk Health Insurance 

In a significant move to safeguard consumers' interests, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule to combat "junk" health insurance plans. Often marketed as "short-term" coverage, these plans have long been criticized for their limited coverage and lack of transparency. With the implementation of the new regulations, consumers can expect increased clarity and protection when it comes to their health insurance options.

Click here to read the new rules' key highlights and see the fact sheet.

The Disaster Distress Helpline: A New Peer Support Program Promoting Collective Healing and Resiliency

The Disaster Distress Helpline is excited to offer a new and free opportunity for individuals impacted by both natural and human-caused disasters. It is a peer-focused online peer support program dedicated to providing individuals with an opportunity to unite, heal, and rebuild. The DDH Online Peer Support Communities (OPSC) are at no cost for members, are easy to join, and are offered online via Facebook Groups. DDH Peer Supporters are staffed by Vibrant Emotional Health and are available at varied days/hours of the week, between 6:00 am and 12:00 am Eastern Standard Time (EST). 

Our Online Peer Support Communities are monitored 24/7/365 by an independently operated DDH networked crisis center to provide crisis support through Crisis Support Over Messenger. Members are able to connect with a crisis counselor immediately if they are experiencing emotional distress, need crisis support, or simply need someone to speak with. DDH Crisis Counselors use an intervention and evaluation approach, assisting community members in assessing their level of emotional distress and utilizing tools for de-escalation, collaborative problem-solving, and safety planning.

The DDH Online Peer Support Program is unique, providing the gold standard in peer support skills and practice. Peer supporters receive core training in fundamental principles of peer support, amplifying aptitude in active listening, compassionate curiosity, and growth recovery language. Additionally, peer supporters encourage self-efficacy by refraining from being problem solvers during their interactions with members. Instead, they pose open-ended questions and help members create meaning from their experiences.  Peer supporters bring their expertise and finely honed skills in peer support and social media moderation to enhance connection, community, and resilience.

The DDH Online Peer Support Communities launched its first group in June 2021, dedicated to those impacted by COVID-19, to address the short-term and long-term effects of the pandemic.  The DDH has two designated online peer support communities: Survivors of Mass Violence and Survivors and Responders of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To connect to one or both of our DDH Online Peer Support Communities, follow the links below:

• Survivors and Responders of the Covid-19 Pandemic 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/survivorsandrespondersofcovid19

• Survivors of Mass Violence  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/survivorsofmassviolence 

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a subnetwork of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, administered by Vibrant Emotional Health. For information about the DDH:

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

For information about the Disaster Distress Helpline’s Online Peer Support Communities 

https://strengthafterdisaster.org/peer-support/

Notice of Funding Opportunities

Prevention Technology Transfer Centers Cooperative Agreements

The application deadline is Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

The purpose of this program is to maintain and enhance the PTTC Network to provide training and technical assistance services to the substance misuse prevention field, including professionals/pre-professionals, organizations, and others in the prevention community that serve and support children, youth, young adults, families, parents, and other adults. Recipients will be expected to work directly with SAMHSA and across the PTTC Network on activities aimed at improving the implementation and delivery of effective substance misuse prevention interventions. Find more information here.

Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care: States

The application deadline is Monday, May 20, 2024.

The purpose of this program is to (a) promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practices between physical and behavioral health care; (b) support the improvement of integrated care models for physical and behavioral health care to improve overall wellness and physical health status; and (c) promote the implementation and improvement of bidirectional integrated care services, including evidence-based or evidence-informed screening, assessment, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and recovery services for mental and substance use disorders, and co-occurring physical health conditions and chronic diseases through integrated care. State recipients are expected to partner with qualified community programs, health centers, rural health clinics, or Federally Qualified Health Centers to develop and implement an integration program plan. With this program, SAMHSA aims to improve the health outcomes for persons with behavioral health conditions by supporting the adoption and improvement of integrated care models for behavioral and primary physical health. Find more information here.

What's Happening This Month in the States...

Click here to see the state legislation affecting mental health in your state. 

Find and Connect with Your Elected Officials Using our Action Center and Advocacy Toolkit!

Have you built relationships with your elected officials to help you advocate? Was a new individual elected into office for your district? Now is the perfect time to introduce yourself or your organization and begin building relationships!

Click here to connect with your elected officials and learn about other free resources for advocating for your or your organization's needs.

For more information...

The Vibrant Public Policy & Government Affairs Department is excited to provide free access to our monthly newsletter. We also offer free online resources created for individuals or organizations seeking legislative information to empower them to advocate for mental and emotional well-being.

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