November 10, 2023- Vizient, Inc. held a policy briefing on Capitol Hill on November 8, 2023 on hospitals’ critical role in providing mental and behavioral health treatment and support, drawing attendance from more than 60 deeply engaged congressional staff and industry stakeholders. The event was titled, “Communities in Crisis: How Hospitals are Addressing Mental and Behavioral Health Challenges in their Communities,” held at the Rayburn House Office Building.
The panel of experts including Dr. Heather Chung, System Director of Psychiatry, Houston Methodist, Dr. Michelle Schafer, Regional Vice President and System Clinical, Program Chair, Behavioral Health, SSM Health, and Dr. Susan Swick, Vice President and Chief Mental Health Officer, Montage Health, discussed the significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Despite the obstacles and mounting strain on hospitals, these providers, and others, continue to implement strategies to help address the significant unmet need in their communities.
Notably, the panelists highlighted various programs and partnerships that aim to increase access and enhance care quality, such as an innovative program focused on post-discharge care, a new behavioral health urgent care model, and collaborative efforts with schools and pediatricians to promote youth mental health.