Advocate

Advocacy is our North Star — the tool that will truly unlock our mission of helping our clients lead stable, fulfilling lives in their chosen community. That’s because we believe that it is not enough to only support immediate mental health needs; we must champion an entire systems change. Advocating for policy changes and investments is the path toward more equitably – and more successfully – supporting the clients and communities we serve.

We have seen real and meaningful progress in developing relationships with elected representatives and agency staff in working together to fix policy problems and fund urgently needed infrastructure. But complex systems, particularly mental health and housing systems, don’t change overnight. That’s why our legislative focus remains steadfast on transforming our mental health and housing support systems into a comprehensive spectrum of care.

We need you more than ever to sustain our work. Mark your calendars for the advocacy below and help support our lifesaving services during the 2025 legislative session!

Our 2025 Legislative Session Priorities

Sustain and Improve Access to Quality Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care.

Minnesota has significantly fewer behavioral health care providers per capita than the national average. This shortage is further exacerbated by unsustainable reimbursement rates for mental health providers, which leads to program closures and professionals leaving the field. Everyone is ultimately impacted by this lack of access, as untreated mental illness can lead to crises, homelessness, and additional strain on families and public resources. We must act now to help sustain and improve access to care for all Minnesotans. 

Policy Recommendations 

We recommend: increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health and substance use disorder care; providing recognition for providers serving a high proportion of Medicaid patients; scaling the DHS-recommended rate structure; increasing rates for protected transport; requiring Medicaid reimbursement for CoCM at sustainable rates; and requiring Medicaid coverage for First Episode of Psychosis care, as well as supporting audio-only telephonic health care.

Expand Supportive Housing for Individuals Living With Mental Illness:

Stable housing is a basic human right, and it is fundamental to recovery from mental illness, yet individuals with mental health challenges are disproportionately affected by homelessness and housing instability. The cost of chronic homelessness to taxpayers is substantial at more than $40,000 per person, which far exceeds the cost of providing supportive housing. Investing in housing with mental health supports not only improves lives but also reduces the financial burden on the public. Current funding for these programs is insufficient to meet the overwhelming need. 

Policy Recommendations 

We must: prioritize sustainable, ongoing funding for supportive housing; amend the Minnesota Human Rights Act to protect against housing discrimination based on income source; and enact policies that facilitate the development of affordable housing.

Invest in Employment Programs for People Living With Serious Mental Illness:

Employment is a crucial component of recovery and well-being for individuals living with mental illness. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model is an effective, evidence-based approach to supported employment. It significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining and retaining employment, boosts income and improves quality of life. However, funding for IPS programs is in jeopardy, and potential cuts could drastically reduce access to these vital services. Supporting IPS programs not only empowers individuals with mental illness but also strengthens our communities.

Policy Recommendations 

We need to increase base funding for the IPS program and identify a sustainable funding source to ensure its long-term viability and expansion.

 The Minnesota Legislative Session began on January 14, 2025. As our elected representatives get to work, we’ll keep you updated on ways you can get involved to enact change in support of our clients and mission. Check back regularly for updates.

Mental Health Day on the Hill

Thursday, February 20th

• 10:00 AM: Welcome and Policy Briefing at the National Guard Armory – 600 Cedar Street, St. Paul
• 1:30 PM: Rally in Capitol Rotunda – 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul
  • Hear from legislators and advocates.
• 2:00 PM: Meet With Your Legislators

Homeless Day on the Hill

Wednesday, March 12th

• 9:00 AM: Policy Briefing at Central Presbyterian Church – 500 Cedar St., St. Paul

• 10:30 AM: Meet With Your Legislators