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Better Together: Changing Public Health Outcomes in Virginia with the Co-Responder Model
The co-responder model is a recent innovation in behavioral health services that employs a mental health professional and a law enforcement official as dual first responders when an individual experiences a mental health crisis. The Marcus-David Peters Act (“Marcus Alert” or “MA”), signed into law in Virginia in late 2020, commemorates Marcus-David Peters, a young Black biology teacher in Richmond, VA, who was killed by police while undergoing a mental health crisis.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Talking about Music, Music Therapy and Sharing Experiences in an Inpatient Setting
- By Ruby C. Castilla-Puentes, M.D., Dr.P.H., M.B.A.
During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico and Central and South America. I would like to start this article by noting that I am not an expert in music therapy, so my perspective is quite narrow. However, I will share some background, history, my own experience and resources to hopefully spark some ideas for you to incorporate music from this rich and diverse cultural collective. I would like to share my experience with staff members and families in the acute patient unit of the Mental Health Unit at Santa Clara Hospital
Mental Health Parity: New Proposed Rule
On July 25, 2023, the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services released a proposed rule intended to strengthen enforcement of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and improve patients’ ability to access care for mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUD). At the same time, the agencies also released a Technical Release, seeking feedback on data requirements related to network composition and a possible enforcement safe harbor; a second Report to Congress, as required by law; and a Fact Sheet summarizing enforcement efforts during 2022.
How Dental Health and Mental Health Are Connected
While it may not be widely understood, there is a clear connection between a person’s dental health and their mental health. Numerous studies have identified associations between mental health and oral health(1), however, the interaction often does not get much attention, even among health care professionals.
Elevating Bebe Moore Campbell's Legacy in 2023: APA's Dynamic Approach to National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: Part 2
In response to the U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on the youth mental health crisis in the U.S., APA held the inaugural APA Moore Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit on July 12. Through this one-day summit, APA collaborated with the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute to design a youth-centered mental health event focused on cultivating mental wellness among 150 young people of color in Washington, D.C. This summit aimed to increase mental health awareness, empower youth to advocate for their own mental wellness, facilitate peer support and engagement, and introduce youth attendees to early career mental health clinicians. Given the disconcerting youth mental health statistics, this event had a critical role in creating a space for open dialogue directly with youth.