Each week the AIT community receives #TakeActionTuesday with tips for creating impactful change in their community and beyond. From new online tools, to pending policy updates, subscribe today to make sure you don’t miss these action-oriented recommendations.
This week is National Suicide Prevention Week and serves as an opportunity to focus on how issues like access to mental healthcare impact our communities. Unfortunately, this lack of access, especially in low-income communities, still prevents many people seeking help from receiving the medical attention that they need. In 2018, 42% of Americans said that the cost of care and limited insurance coverage kept them from accessing mental health treatment.
While insurance coverage has expanded to include more mental health treatments, providing equal access to high quality mental healthcare is still too often overlooked when it comes to healthcare funding measures and public health initiatives.
This Take Action Tuesday, take action on behalf of those living with mental health conditions by advocating for mental healthcare accessibility and supporting mental health advocacy and direct service organizations.
- Understand Mental Healthcare Policy. Get to know mental healthcare policies that are currently being debated on Capitol Hill, find out how these policies and funding structures impact your community, and ask your legislators how they are advocating to expand mental health access.
- Know Your Resources. Learn which mental healthcare providers exist in your area. If in-person help is not available or if you or a loved one is looking for virtual assistance, crisis hotlines can provide vital, immediate services. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741.
- Volunteer With Mental Healthcare Organizations. Become an advocate and volunteer time to your local Crisis Line or Healthcare Organization.
How are you taking action to improve access to mental healthcare in your community? Let us know at info@aitogether.org.
