U.S. Conference of Mayors has made mental health a priority issue, met with lawmakers last week
Washington, D.C. — Today, American mayors are applauding an announcement from the Biden Administration that is taking action to increase parity for mental health services in health insurance coverage. The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM), led by its president Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, has made addressing the mental health crisis a top priority. Today’s news comes after a bipartisan delegation of mayors was in Washington last week meeting with lawmakers in a push for comprehensive legislation to address the staggering rise in Americans reporting mental health challenges and disparities in access to care across the country. In response to the Biden Administration’s announcement, Mayor Schieve released the following statement:
“The scale of the mental health crisis in America demands a comprehensive plan to get people the help they need, and American mayors are grateful that the president understands we must use every tool available. Mental health contributes to countless challenges facing cities, and we know that early intervention is critical. This effort to increase access to mental health services means more people will be able to get help sooner. We also know there’s so much more we must do. The United States Conference of Mayors will continue to make this issue a priority and is ready to work with both parties to reset our approach to mental health in America.”
NOTE: Last month, USCM released a survey from 117 cities that detailed the startling reality of the mental health challenges in America. The survey responses provided critical insight into the mental health needs in America’s cities, how local officials are working to address them, the problems they are facing in doing so, and what they need to better serve those with mental and behavioral health problems.