Counties Encouraged by White House Action on Mental Health Parity
Upcoming Events
Related News
County leaders invited to White House for announcement of new proposed rule
WASHINGTON – County leaders yesterday joined President Biden for the announcement of a new proposed role to reinforce elements of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Mental health parity is a cornerstone of the work of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing.
“Counties are feeling the strain of the rising demand for mental health services and ensuring this crisis is addressed. To achieve our shared goals, a strong intergovernmental partnership is necessary, as well as working with the private and nonprofit sectors,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase.
The Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing, launched in February, brings together county leaders from across the country to take action to address the ever-growing mental health crisis from the county government perspective. Through this commission, NACo is elevating the critical role counties play in providing high-quality, accessible mental health services, showcasing solutions and outlining the intergovernmental and public-private partnerships required to reimagine and strengthen our nation’s mental health policies, programs and practices.
In May, NACo’s commission advocated for policy priorities at the White House and with members of Congress. Mental health parity was one of the pillars of that advocacy, with a focus on increased enforcement of the MHPAEA. Counties have long advocated for the implementation of this existing legislation.
“The White House’s proposed rule is a step in the right direction for mental health parity,” said Chase. “We look forward to continuing to work with bipartisan intergovernmental partners to strengthen mental health care and ultimately help produce better outcomes for all.”
For more information about NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing, click here. For a summary of policy positions, click here.
Media Contact
Nicole Weissman
Fremont County, Colo. Commissioner Dwayne McFall testifies on federal forests
Fremont County, Colorado Commissioner Dwayne McFall testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources, emphasizing the need for healthy federal forests.
NACo commission on mental health sends letter to Congress
On November 13, members of NACo's Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Committees on Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The Commission called on Congress to support counties in delivering high-quality, assessible mental health services to address residents' comprehensive behavioral health needs in any mental health legislation package.
County Countdown – Nov. 20, 2023
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
U.S. Congress passes second, "laddered" Continuing Resolution to avoid government shutdown
On November 14 the U.S. House voted 336-95 to pass a two-part, or “laddered,” Continuing Resolution to extend Fiscal Year 2023 spending and avoid a government shutdown.
Bipartisan legislation introduced in House to increase transparency of mail-in ballots
Reps. Katie Porter, Nancy Mace, Kweisi Mfume, Byron Donalds, Gerry Connolly, Brian Fitzpatrick, Eleanor Holmes Norton and Juan Ciscomani re-introduced the bipartisan Vote by Mail Tracking Act to increase transparency of and confidence in mail-in ballots.
