“Do what you can to show you care about other people and you will make our world a better place.”
- Rosalynn Carter
The mental health advocacy community had a huge win yesterday with the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. Aside from raising the status of brain disorders and providing essential benefits to the millions of Americans affected by these health challenges, this legislation is an important reminder of the power of collaboration. An achievement like this can only result when we work together with the understanding that the legislative process involves give-and-take. When we put aside our political agendas and work for the greater good.
As I read about the bipartisan efforts that went into the passing of this bill, I was reminded of an event I attended a few weeks ago: the 32nd Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy: “Widening the Circle of Health and Wellness: The Central Role of Behavioral Health.” The symposium, led by the matriarch of our cause, Rosalynn Carter, brought together thought leaders in behavioral health -- from psychiatrists to educators, policy makers to people with lived experience and even some clergy members -- and the two days were filled with inspirational presentations and discussions.
Rosalynn Carter
It was held only ten days after the election, and despite the fact that many of those in attendance had advised Hillary Clinton on her mental health plan, the tone was measured and calm. I believe this reflected the example set by the Carters themselves: their quiet strength, steadfast commitment to the values of peace and compassion, and dedication to pursuing causes that others might have given up on. Instead of the edginess and divisiveness of the broader national atmosphere, I saw cautious hope, commitment to collaboration, and single-minded focus on the issues. As a result, the crucial message of the symposium -- that we need to take a more holistic view of behavioral health and get serious about creating a system that’s more accepting, inclusive, and understanding of brain-based health challenges -- remained fully intact, unpolluted by the emotions and politics of the moment.
This event, like the 21st Century Cures Act, exemplifies what’s possible when a diverse group of smart, passionate, innovative individuals and groups come together to share ideas and strategies aimed at solving a pressing social challenge. And that is our invitation to Donald Trump as he prepares to lead the nation.
While we were encouraged by Hillary Clinton’s comprehensive plan and clear commitment to improving the mental health and education systems, Donald Trump’s more or less “blank slate” in these areas also leaves open the possibility for significant positive change. At the Flawless Foundation we always look at these issues through a positive lens. Instead of jumping to conclusions that are negative, we are hopeful that he will choose advisors who are aware of what needs to be done to fix the mental health and education crises in our country. We invite Donald Trump to reject the dismissive and dangerous attitude expressed by his chief strategist Steve Bannon -- that all we require for mental health reform is that parents “spank their children more.” We trust that the President-elect’s lack of a specific mental health plan does not indicate an absence of priority on this issue, but rather an openness to collaborating with those who are best prepared to offer potential solutions.
President-elect Trump, let’s all be inspired by the decades of gracious and powerful leadership of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Let’s take our lead from the lawmakers who replaced gridlock with compromise and understanding in order to pass yesterday’s important legislation. We’re ready to create real solutions with the help of your administration. We’re prepared not only with the hard science and the policy suggestions needed to improve our failing system, but also, just as importantly, with the willingness to share and collaborate. Only by bringing in experts from every corner, learning from all sides, and choosing innovation and collaboration can we end this public health crisis once and for all.