NRS 415 Benchmark – Creating Change Through Advocacy

Problem

In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues.

Mental health is a growing public health concern based on evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other entities that work collaboratively with federal and state health agencies across the United States. The CDC (2023) asserts that over 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness. Further, more than 1 in five youth (13-18 years) either currently or at some point in their life, suffer from a seriously debilitating mental problem. The CDC advances that close to 1 in 23 adults in the U.S. has a long-term serious mental health disorder like bipolar disorder, major depression, dementia, and schizophrenia. The Mental Health America (MHA) notes that about 21% or close to 51 million adults in the country have mental illness. The organization also observes that the vast majority of these individuals suffer from comorbidities; including substance use disorder and opioid use disorder. However, close to three-quarters of those suffering from mental health illnesses do not access treatment. For instance, MHA opines that in 2021, over 15% of adults had a substance use disorder, yet 93.5% never received any form of treatment. 

The current ramifications include increased susceptibility of the affected to comorbidities, reduced productivity, and a rise in the cost of healthcare, especially in treating those with chronic mental health disorders. The ramifications also include increased resource allocation, the need for more access to health services, and expansion of facilities to cater to the growing number. The rising number of people with mental health illnesses has serious consequences on public health, if not addressed (Taylor et al. (2023). The implication is that more people will experience worse mental health outcomes leading to devastating effects like suicide, violence, and a general breakdown in public order.  

Idea for Addressing Solution

In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy.

Addressing the issue requires improving access to mental health care services across states and through federal and state funding. The Council of State Governments (2023) mental health should be among the top policy priorities for states. The council notes that mental health, including substance use disorder, are critical priority legislative areas for states to reduce the current prevalence of the problem. According to the council, 9 out of 10 adults in the country believe the country is in a mental health crisis with suicide being ranked as the 12^th leading cause of death. In 2020, close to 46,000 deaths were attributed to suicide; an indication of the magnitude of the issue (MHA, 2023).

Evidence suggests that expanding access to mental health through resources and expansion of medical health insurance coverage will allow more people to get care services, particularly treatment and recovery. More people are not accessing care due to stigmatization, limited resources like lack of insurance coverage, insufficient mental health personnel, and lack of information. Recent legislative policies and acts demonstrate efforts to increase access to care services. These policies emanate from legislative efforts in Congress; illustrating the core role that legislation plays in advocacy. The COVID-19 pandemic increased and worsened the mental health crisis in the country (MHA, 2023). The current federal administration has enacted three policies to support and educate individuals, groups, families, and communities experiencing mental health problems. These policies raise awareness and lower the stigma related to seeking mental health services. They include the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the STANDUP Act of 2021, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. The enactment of these policies demonstrates that legislation is the best course for advocacy to enhance access to mental health care.

Research the Issue

Perform research and compile information for your idea. Present substantive evidence-based findings that support your idea for addressing the problem (studies, research, and reports). Include any similar legislation introduced or passed in other states.

Evidence 1

In their article, Coombs et al. (2021) identify barriers to mental health care. The authors assert that having effective policies that expand healthcare coverage will ensure that more Americans can access mental health services. The article suggests that reducing the cost of mental health services will incentivize many Americans to seek care services and reduce the stigma associated with the problem.

Evidence 2

The brief by the Institute for Health Policy and Leadership (IHPL) (2022) demonstrates that having legislation like the American Rescue Plan Act among others can enhance access to mental health as they mandate state and federal governments to allocate sufficient resources to mental healthcare services. The brief advances that supporting and educating individuals, groups, and families with mental health issues, and raising awareness require effective policy approaches to reduce the problem.

Evidence 3

The U.S. Census Bureau (2023) advances that federal health systems and facilities should expand access to mental health care due to the increasing number of cases. The Bureau observes that different factors are contributing to these cases, requiring evidence-based interventions. As such, the Census Bureau recommends changes in existing legislation to expand enrollees and beneficiaries through public health emergency initiatives. A core part of this is the expansion of Medicaid Services to help individuals have coverage to access mental health services.

Stakeholder Support

Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support.

Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1

Nurses, especially psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), will support the expansion of access to mental health services. As a core part of health care provision, nurses will work collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance access and advocate legislation to increase those getting treatment.

Stakeholder(s) Supporting 2

Physicians and other healthcare providers will also support the idea since their core role is to offer beneficial patient care. Physicians will also support the idea because it reduces harm to individuals by expanding resources at different levels of government.

Stakeholder (s) Support 3

The individual patients, the community, affected families, and the general public will support the idea because of the expected benefits. For instance, the idea will enhance access to care, raise awareness about mental health, increase support for patients and their families, and reduce associated stigma.