Mental health system changes are championed

Building Minnesota’s mental health system requires work on several fronts, and addressing needs of many different groups. Children’s mental health, employment accommodations, stable housing, suicide prevention, adequate reimbursements for services and addressing the ongoing workforce shortage are among topics the Minnesota Mental Health Network is championing this legislative session. The ability to access proper care when it is needed, and break down barriers to care, were also emphasized.

A large and enthusiastic group of advocates attended 2023 Mental Health Day on the Hill March 9, glad to be back in person after two years of virtual events. Hundreds of people filled a church sanctuary and the capitol rotunda, to hear updates and speakers.

They discussed 18 comprehensive mental health bills which they say would solve many problems if passed.

They also gave legislators tiny foam bricks, to indicate the importance of building a quality mental health system.

“The mental health system was never broken. It was never built,’” said Sue Abderholden, executive director of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Minnesota.

The Mental Health Legislative Network represents more than 40 organizations. Members said they are confident they’ll enjoy some success this session.

A message from several speakers is that mental health service needs have increased, in some cases dramatically, in recent times. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. In some cases, services must be created. For others, such as the 988 crisis line, adequate resources are needed.

The overriding message March 9 was how missing pieces in the current mental health system affect Minnesotans, and how employment, housing and health needs are among issues tied to improving mental health. Speakers discussed the disconnect between some services, the long waits for services, the

Assisted suicide is one of the most contentious issues for Minnesotans with disabilities and their loved ones. We’ve had many emotional hearings over the years, with testimony for and against legislation that would allow the practice. And here we go again. In February, Minnesota lawmakers introduced the End-of-Life Option Act Senate File 1813/House File 1930. If passed and signed into law, this would allow Minnesotans what is called the ability to “access medical aid in dying.”

We at Access Press respect the arguments of those who wish to have the right to die with dignity, and relieve suffering. Minnesota doesn’t allow the practice of assisted suicide now. People must either make that kind of end-of-life decision and take steps outside of the law, or travel someplace where assisted suicide is allowed. We understand all too well the desire of some people to die on their own terms and to leave this earth with dignity.

It's concerning on one level that someone cannot work with their doctor to make an informed choice about assisted suicide. In many states physicians and other medical professionals can be prosecuted for helping a patient die at their request.

But suicide as a matter of public policy can be fraught with problems for those of us who live with disabilities. Any attempt at legislation in Minnesota must keep us and our rights at top of mind. We people with disabilities must look at assisted suicide in many contexts. We know it’s an issue that there is not unanimous community support or opposition to.

It is an issue with many nuances that must be considered. Our history must be considered and respected. We are wary of past historic trends such as efforts to create a “master race” and only let the strong survive. One example is that disabled infants were considered not worthy of living. It was only in the late 19th century that infant incubators were even invented. Widespread use only began in the 20th century when such devices were used at county fairs and amusement parks as a novelty or freak show. See the tiny babies kept alive! The assisted suicide issue also ties into the current staffing shortages and catastrophic situation with many of us unable to hire and retain caregivers. Too many of us in recent years have had our