Legislative Work

Mental Health Minnesota works with state and federal lawmakers, state agencies, counties, mental health providers and other advocacy organizations to build and improve Minnesota’s mental health system, promote recovery and ensure access to mental health care.

Promoting the Voice of Lived Mental Health Experience

Through our Mental Health Ambassador network, we work to ensure that the voices of people with a lived mental health experience are heard when public policy and funding decisions are made.

Federal Legislative Work

At the federal level, Mental Health Minnesota is working with Mental Health America and other advocacy organizations to protect access to mental health care.

State Legislative Work

At the state level, we have worked to support increased access to crisis services, early treatment/intervention, school-linked mental health, supportive housing, employment services and more. We have also worked to promote the importance of voluntary engagement with treatment for those living with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI).

Check out the 2022 Bluebook here, which provides information about our work.

Working Together to Improve Mental Health Care

Mental Health Minnesota co-chairs the Mental Health Legislative Network, which is made up of more than 40 organizations working together to improve the state’s mental health system. We also have a long history of working the Local Mental Health Advisory Councils in counties across the state to promote engagement in decisions that impact people living with mental illness.