In the news

Bill Seeks Parity Between Care for Mental, Physical Ailments

February 7, 2020

U.S. News & World Report, Daily Hampshire Gazette

A comprehensive mental health bill introduced in the MA Senate would provide tools to better enforce mental health parity. This AP article quotes MAMH President Danna Mauch on the importance of achieving a level playing field between mental and physical illness.

Baker pushes for more emphasis on primary care, mental health

January 28, 2020

Boston Globe

MAMH President Danna Mauch tells the Boston Globe that Gov. Baker's health reform proposal is feasible and achievable, noting that it can expand programs for people with mental health conditions and help to integrate mental health and primary care.

Schools, mental health workers see progress in 10 years since Phoebe Prince’s suicide

January 15, 2020

Daily Hampshire Gazette

Ten years after the heartbreaking death by suicide of Phoebe Prince in South Hadley, MAMH and others reflect on ways in which suicide prevention and school mental health services have progressed to include a better understanding of the impact of environmental stress.

When Mental Illness Becomes a Jail Sentence

December 6, 2019

The Atlantic

Too many people with mental health conditions languish in jail while waiting for treatment to restore their competency to stand trial. This article quotes Danna Mauch, noting that jails are not able to meet the special needs of people with mental health conditions.

Danna Mauch: Baystate’s plan for psychiatric units is concerning

October 27, 2019

Daily Hampshire Gazette

​Baystate Health Systems' plans to close inpatient psychiatric units in Greenfield, Westfield, and Palmer raise important concerns. Mental health services, including inpatient care, should be provided as close to the person’s home as possible.

Baker introduces new health care bill, proposing sweeping changes

October 22, 2019

Boston Globe

MAMH supports the introduction of Gov. Charlie Baker's comprehensive health reform proposal, calling it a “significant step forward to frame a fairer and more cohesive behavioral health system in the Commonwealth.”