Opportunities for Occupational Therapy Practitioners to Collaborate in Shaping Mental Health Policy and Practice to Support the 988 Initiative

Abstract

In June of 2021, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) joined on as a signatory to the Unified Vision for Transforming Mental Health and Substance Use in America developed by Chief Executive Officers at 14 mental health advocacy, direct services and professional organizations. As one of the 44 allied signatory organizations, AOTA staff joined sessions to discuss the $8 billion in new federal stimulus funds for mental health care through 988. The bill provides funding for states to develop a three-digit telecommunication code to support those in a mental health or emotional crisis. Once learning details about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and bill to provide funding, the AOTA Workforce Capacity Building team enlisted the expertise, talents, and resources of members to strategize on upcoming opportunities to help fill the workforce gap of mental health professionals and align views to position the future of the profession in mental and behavioral health. A micro volunteer group emerged consisting of those in academia, practice, and AOTA staff members. In support of the Unified Visionary Signatory, the AOTA encourages occupational therapy practitioners to use their skills, training, and expertise to address mental health in our communities: Every person. Every age. Every condition. This document highlights the challenges and opportunities for the profession of occupational therapy in support of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline bill and resources developed to educate the occupational therapy community. The objective was to assist in mobilizing those in the profession to help fill workforce gaps in mental health.