A078 Promote Equity and to Reduce Differences in Mental Health Outcomes
Resolved, the House of ________________ concurring,
That the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church hereby encourage that Congress enact legislation on the following package of policies that would serve to promote equity and to reduce differences in mental health outcomes: address implicit bias and unconscious bias in mental health diagnostics and treatment; address data challenges; address Social Determinants of Health; and invest in mental healthcare professional diversity; better mental healthcare treatment available; and be it further
Resolved, That the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church urge Episcopalians to prayerfully consider how they can support individuals with mental illness and their caregivers; and be it further
Resolved, That the Episcopal Church call on all elected and appointed officials to advocate for policies to raise the quality and availability of mental health coverage for all people in states and local areas; and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention charges the dioceses and parishes of the Episcopal Church with advocating for those same policies in their communities and states; and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention transmit a message to each diocese of the Episcopal Church with a copy of this resolution before each Diocesan Convention following the 81st General Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the Episcopal Church recognize that issues with mental illness, access to diagnosis and effective treatment, and lack of appropriate treatment for untreated or under-treated pain affect all communities, and there is a disproportionate effect on persons of color, persons with disabilities, and those affected by poverty; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations be urged to pray weekly during the Prayers of the People for those affected by mental illness and their families; and be it further
Resolved, That the individuals involved in undertaking this work remain cognizant of its relationship to other issues of serious concern to the Episcopal Church: gun violence prevention, substance use, suicide prevention, and trauma related to gender, sexual identity, or military service; and be it further
Resolved, That the 81st General Convention, consistent with established policies and procedures, refer this Resolution to the Office of Government Relations, so that it may take all actions necessary to accomplish the intentions and purposes of this resolution.
Explanation
Mental Health is Health. The church can help to advocate for the policies that work, for the policies that are impactful, for the policies that will make a difference. Promoting legislation to advocate for policies addressing mental health coverage and access, as well as other critical issues, is of great importance to the Episcopal Church. Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and access to mental health services is crucial for individuals with mental illness.
By advocating for legislation that promotes mental health coverage and access, the Episcopal Church strives to ensure that individuals have the necessary resources and support to address their mental health needs.
Individuals with mental illness are more likely to experience trauma and violence. Other major topics of concern in the church such as gun violence prevention, substance use prevention and recovery, suicide prevention, and trauma related to gender, sexual identity, or military service intersect with and impact individuals with mental illness.
By promoting legislation to advocate for policies addressing these serious concerns, the Episcopal Church aims to create a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society, where individuals can access the necessary resources and support to address their various needs.