Policy Action Network (PAN)

Federal health care reform has several important sections that address treatment for mental illness. As the House and Senate bills currently stand, mental health and substance abuse addiction services are mandatory and covered at the same levels as other physical illness (covered at parity) which was included in federal legislation last year. The House version has written in more language to improve the provision of mental health services than the Senate bill. Now that the Senate has approved their bill (to be voted on by Senate for passage most likely later this week), the bill will most likely go to Conference Committee where the two divisions of Congress will create one bill that both the House and Senate can agree on. We are hopeful that more of the House recommendations that are fairly budget neutral to providing mental health services will be included at Conference Committee.

Here are some upcoming events that you may be interested in attending:

Legislative Education & Advocacy Day sponsored by Mental Health America Colorado
When: Friday, February 5, 2010 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway, Denver
Cost: $35 - some scholarships available through Jefferson Center
Please RVSP through Jefferson Center by calling 303-432-5178 and specifying this event and date. This is an opportunity to receive basic legislative advocacy training. Here is a link for further information: http://www.mhacolorado.org/page/calendar/index.v3page?c_v=evt&c_eid=128846&c_mid=0&c_dt=2455246

Colorado Behavioral Health Day at the Colorado Capitol
When: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 from around 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Colorado State Capitol
There is no cost for this event.
Please RSVP through Jefferson Center by calling 303-432-5178 and speciifying this event and date.
This is a good opportunity experience the legislative process and become more comfortable being at the Capitol and meeting with legislators. A flyer about the event is attached for further information. If you RSVP for this event by January 5th, you will also be able to participate in a webinar provided by the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council discussing the purpose of the day's activities.