FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2023
Contact: Cristian Salazar, 929-584-8731, cristian@theleadpr.com
NATIONAL NONPROFIT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN RECOGNIZING ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO PRIORITIZE MENTAL HEALTH POLICY
The Mental Health Now Statement of Support celebrates candidates and elected officials for committing to making mental health a priority issue
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Inseparable, a national nonprofit working to make mental health care accessible to all, launched the Mental Health Now campaign. The nonpartisan campaign is committed to ensuring that mental health is at the forefront of policy in the nation. Elected officials and candidates are encouraged to sign the statement of support, demonstrating their dedication to addressing the mental health epidemic by championing policy changes. This campaign aims to strengthen support for policies that increase access to mental health care, promote wellness and early intervention for youth mental health, and improve crisis response for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency.
“Mental health is one issue that unites people across party lines because almost everyone has a story about how mental health has impacted them or their loved ones,” said Inseparable Founder Bill Smith. “Our research shows that now, more than ever, mental health is top of mind for voters. Voters want action, they want it now, and they want their elected officials to take the lead. Mental Health Now is a simple way for candidates and lawmakers to signal to their voters that, if elected, they’ll prioritize mental health.”
“We started Mental Health Now with the dual purpose of celebrating the candidates who are committed to good mental health policy and empowering mental health voters at the ballot box. Our hope is that the Mental Health Now Candidate badge becomes a shorthand for the voters who are looking for candidates committed to championing mental health,” said Kathleen Daughety, Inseparable VP of Campaigns & Civic Engagement.
Nearly half of all people in the U.S. don’t get the mental health treatment they need, while 50 million experience a mental health condition. With this campaign, Inseparable aims to bring awareness and create change within policy, one signature at a time.
“Mental Health services are a core function of government, just like police, fire, and ambulance services,” said Utah Republican State Senator Daniel W. Thatcher. “Brain health is the single greatest unmet need in the U.S. We must recruit and support candidates who focus on core functions of government — Mental Health Now is an excellent way for those candidates to distinguish themselves.”
“To address the mental health crisis our nation is facing, it’s vital that we make mental health policy a priority and that begins by electing leaders who are dedicated to creating meaningful reforms,” said Delaware House Speaker Valerie Longhurst, a Democrat. “There truly is no health without mental health. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to elevate the conversation around mental health, push for policies that increase the accessibility of behavioral health care, and support programs like Inseparable’s Mental Health Now initiative.”
Mental Health Now is open to candidates of all parties seeking elected office in 2024, at the local, state, and federal levels. Multiple candidates in a primary are eligible to be Mental Health Now Candidates upon signing the Statement of Support. The Statement of Support can be signed here.
About Inseparable
Inseparable is a growing coalition of people from across the country who share a common goal to fundamentally improve mental health care policy to heal ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. The health of our minds is inseparable from the health of our bodies, which is why Inseparable’s work demands policy that protects and supports our whole health. For more information, please visit www.inseparable.us.