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We face a national crisis on mental health.

We continue to face a mental and behavioral health (MBH) and addiction crisis in the United States, and at a time when more Americans than ever before need support – 

  • Consumers and families lack information and agency to identify what services they need nor the confidence that when they do get support, it is high quality and will have the outcomes they seek.
  • Health plans and Purchasers lack clarity on what services yield the right outcomes and how to comply with mental health parity rules. 
  • We face an increasingly acute lack of access to licensed, qualified behavioral health professionals, outcomes-driven models of care, and innovative treatment solutions.
  • Despite coverage, reimbursement remains inadequate or impeded for critical high-value services and treatments

Our theory of change takes on a systems approach.

Supported by a Data Collaborative of national delivery and cost data and analytics, our three-pronged approach to MBH system transformation includes:

  • Alignment for Progress – (501c3) convening and aligning the advocacy community to expand mental health access and coverage
  • Invest for Progress  – (collaborative) guiding investment, model innovation and existing model support for social good and scalable impact, supported by data collaboratives to track longitudinal outcomes.
  • Action for Progress – (501c3 and 501c4) harnessing stakeholders to force policy change through strategy, events, and lobbying, which enables system transformation and sustainability.

Action for Progress ​

A 501c3 and 501c4 Joint Initiative

Through our Action for Progress (501c4) sister organization, stakeholders across the behavioral health field advocate for federal and state policy reforms that address access, quality, outcomes, payment, and structural reforms to behavioral health.

ACTNow for Mental Health (ANMH) is a non-profit (501c3) organization dedicated to providing direct access to mental health services and supports and – through the ANMH Action for Progress initiative (501c3) – educating stakeholders on models, systems, and policy reforms needed to transform behavioral health access. This initiative will include regional convenings to raise awareness and highlight local leaders, stakeholders, employers, and best in class models. This work will be supported by regional data collaboratives.

We need policymakers to take action for progress.

A Multi-Pronged Advocacy Strategy for Policy Impact

Action for Progress advances a coordinated advocacy strategy to drive meaningful change in behavioral health, engaging with policy champions at the federal and state levels. As part of our broader strategy to influence the political process, we engage in coordinated efforts to advocate and educate policymakers on key issues, and support leaders who champion them. This includes mobilizing consumers, providers, and businesses through grassroots organizing, letter-writing campaigns, Hill Days, and public awareness initiatives. 

Payment

Advance payment structures that support the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care that reduce overall costs but are not widely adopted.

Quality Outcomes

Drive consensus on definition and measurement of quality and outcomes in behavioral health.

Workforce

Develop a pipeline and supports for behavioral health workers, including important specialties like pediatric or SUD specialists, community health workers, and peer support specialists.

Data Infrastructure

Improve data sharing between physical, behavioral, and social health systems to promote whole-person, integrated care and value-based reimbursement.

Access to Evidence-Based Care

Promote the wide-spread adoption of novel innovations, evidence-based treatments, and preventive services that improve outcomes for priority populations.

We’re wielding advocacy tools for impact.

  • Federal & State Advocacy
    • Build and re-energize policy champions at all levels
    • Target the Senate Finance and House Mental Health Caucus, and engage White House for a Mental Health Summit
    • Expand efforts in key opportunity states such as Utah, Illinois, Colorado and others
  • Political Engagement for Impact
    • Engage in strategic advocacy by raising funds, promoting key issues, and supporting aligned leaders through coordinated political engagement and public awareness efforts.
  • Grassroots Activation
    • Engage individual consumers, practitioners and businesses within key districts
    • Utilize letter writing, phone, and other grassroots strategies like Hill Days and public campaigns

The Campaign, led by former Congressman Patrick J Kennedy, is a robust advocacy engine committed to transforming behavioral health policy into lasting, system-wide improvements. Built on a foundation of evidence-based priorities and fueled by strategic collaboration, the initiative targets four critical areas of reform:



“Now is the time to act. By leveraging our resources and influence, we can ensure access to essential services and collaborate to make them gateways to broader care…”

Patrick J Kennedy

Joining the Campaign is an Opportunity to:
  • Collaborate and join national thought leaders 
  • Influence national infrastructure development and payment reforms
  • Gain access to a wealth of shared knowledge, research and tools that will enhance your advocacy efforts
  • Be at the forefront of shaping policies that impact mental health care.

Join Us!

Join us in this campaign!

If you would like to know more , please contact us at egarcia@healthsperien.com