Strategic Advocacy by Leveraging the Common Goals of a Diverse Membership (Concurrent)-Strategic Advocacy by Leveraging the Common Goals of a Diverse Membership

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this presentation at CMSS, leaders from the American Psychiatric Association (APA)—CEO Marquita Wills, President Teresa Mesquiman-Rivera, and President-Elect Mark Rappaport—discuss the critical role of strategic advocacy in advancing mental health care in 2025, a time of disruption and change. They define systems advocacy as efforts that go beyond individual patient advocacy to address root causes through policy and legislative engagement aimed at improving health outcomes for communities and populations. The APA integrates advocacy into its organizational DNA through coordinated federal and state efforts, bipartisan political action, grassroots engagement, and a strategic plan emphasizing clear, focused messaging and patient-physician partnership. Challenges include balancing members' diverse viewpoints and maintaining a nonpartisan, effective voice rather than activism. Examples include fighting for mental health parity, telehealth access, integrated care, and addressing social determinants of health. Collaboration with peer organizations amplifies impact. Communication strategies, such as rapid media response and member education, are essential, as demonstrated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ successful advocacy model. Patient involvement is emphasized; APA involves those with lived experience meaningfully in advocacy planning and coalition efforts. Organizational advocacy is funded through non-PAC revenue streams, while PAC funds support political campaigns. Key takeaways include the importance of relationships with legislators, focused advocacy priorities, clear communication plans, and regular evaluation to adapt strategies. Advocacy efforts aim to destigmatize mental illness, prevent criminalization of those with brain disorders, and advance policies that promote health equity. The session concludes with reflections on engaging membership and leveraging advocacy as a vital organizational function to improve population mental health.

Keywords

American Psychiatric Association

strategic advocacy

mental health care

systems advocacy

policy engagement

health equity

mental health parity

telehealth access

patient involvement

legislative relationships