Library of Publications

Testimony Describing Trends in Behavioral Health and Behavioral Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

October 23, 2020

MAMH

This testimony dated Oct. 23, 2020 describes the behavioral health impact of COVID-19 and calls for increased investment in behavioral health prevention, treatment, and supportive services.

Department of Mental Health Rental Subsidy Program Advocacy Coalition Letter

October 8, 2020

MAMH and coalition partners

This Oct. 8 letter to the MA Legislature in collaboration with partner organizations emphasizes the importance of adequately funding the Department of Mental Health Rental Subsidy Program.

Testimony in support of preserving gains in telebehavioral health

July 22, 2020

MAMH

Letter dated July 16, 2020 to legislators urging continued access to telebehavioral health after the expiration of Governor Baker’s March 15, 2020 Order expanding access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Letter in Support of H.4531, An Act ensuring access to addiction services

June 19, 2020

Prisoners' Legal Services of Massachusetts

Letter dated June 18, 2020 to Joint Committee on Health Care Financing urging adoption of H.4531, which would end the incarceration of patients civilly committed for substance use treatment under Section 35.

Letter to Gov. Baker Urging Non-Discriminatory Access to Life-Saving Treatment

March 26, 2020

MAMH and Center for Public Representation

Letter dated March 26, 2020 to MA Gov. Charlie Baker and other senior state leaders urging non-discriminatory access to life-saving medical care for people with disabilities across the lifespan who contract COVID-19.

Press Statement: Senate Bill 2519, An Act Addressing Barriers to Care for Mental Health

February 13, 2020

MAMH

Press statement by MAMH and the Children's Mental Health Campaign describing support for the Mental Health ABC Act: Addressing Barriers to Care (S.2519), comprehensive mental health legislation.

Testimony of Children's Mental Health Campaign Supporting Governor's Health Reform Bill

January 28, 2020

Children’s Mental Health Campaign

Danna Mauch delivered CMHC testimony on January 28, 2020, which supports key provisions of H. 2, the Governor's Health Reform bill.

Testimony Supporting Parity in Disability Insurance Policies

November 4, 2019

MAMH

MAMH testimony submitted November 4, 2019 supports H.908/S.615, which would require parity for mental health conditions in disability (wage replacement) insurance policies.

Testimony Supporting Creation of a Criminal Justice and Community Support Trust Fund

October 22, 2019

MAMH

MAMH testimony submitted October 22, 2019 supports S.1662, which would create a trust fund that could accept third-party funding for behavioral health diversion from the criminal justice system.

Testimony Opposing Legislation to Allow Restrictive Housing for More Individuals with Mental Health Conditions

October 22, 2019

MAMH

MAMH testimony submitted October 7, 2019 opposes H. 1571, which would change the definition of Serious Mental Illness in order to allow restrictive housing for people who have anxiety disorders, trauma, and stress-related disorders.

Testimony to Support Reviewing the Use of Step Therapy and Provide Protections for Patients

October 8, 2019

MAMH

MAMH testimony submitted October 8, 2019 supports legislation that would create a commission to review the use of step therapy and "fail first" requirements by insurers and provide new patient protections.

Testimony Opposing the Use of Surveillance Cameras in DMH and DDS Facilities

October 6, 2019

MAMH

MAMH testimony submitted Sept. 27, 2019 opposes legislation that would authorize the use of surveillance cameras in facilities, including residential group homes, operated by the MA Department of Mental Health and the Department of Developmental Services.