On November 21, 2024, Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s nursing program hosted a policy panel focused on access to behavioral health resources. The event brought together a multidisciplinary group of students from the nursing, sociology, psychology and sonography programs to engage in a thought-provoking conversation about this critical topic.
Guest keynote speakers included Joan Englund, Executive Director of the Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition, and Jackie Russel, RN, JD, LLM, President-Elect of the Nurse Attorneys Association. Together, they shed light on the challenges and policy needs surrounding mental health and addiction services.
Students also shared their perspectives, offering a multidisciplinary approach to the issue and emphasizing the importance of advocacy, community support, and education in addressing the behavioral health crisis.
This event highlighted the need for increased awareness, access to resources, and ongoing policy changes. Watch the full video to hear more about the impactful discussions and how students are stepping up to shape the future of behavioral health advocacy.