May 24, 2016
Women In Government heard from members about the growing epidemic in their state and seated the National Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Co-chaired by Senator Jen Flanagan (Massachusetts) and Representative Lois Landgraf (Colorado), this group of determined women state legislators are passionate about improving state policy.
The National Task Force...
May 16, 2016
The National Task Force represents an impressive group of women legislative leaders focused on mental health and substance use policies that substantially address the many challenges that take such a toll on Americans in your districts, states and nationally. Mental disorders are among the top five most costly medical conditions and substance abuse overtook motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death among people ages 25-64.
May 16, 2016
West Virginia passed legislation that gives priority to pregnant women seeking substance use treatment. This new law requires substance use treatment providers that accept Medicaid must give pregnant women priority in accessing services and cannot deny services because of the pregnancy, as long as the treatment services are appropriate for pregnant women.
May 16, 2016
Virginia recently created a Commonwealth Mental Health First Aid Program through House Bill 197. This legislation creates a Mental Health First Aid Program to train individuals on how to identify and help individuals who may have a mental health and/or substance use disorder as well as how to assist those in crisis....
May 16, 2016
Florida Governor Rick Scott recently signed HB 439, Mental Health Services in the Criminal Justice System, into law and will take effect on July 1, 2016. This legislation expanded the role and use of treatment-based mental health and substance use courts by expanding the eligibility criteria for participants to include children in...
May 16, 2016
California addressed the need for police officers to be competent in working with individuals with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders by enacting Senate Bills 11 and...
February 8, 2016
New WIG Chair Kansas State Senator Kay Wolf Announces Criminal Justice Reform as Two-Year Initiative.
