Tammy Exum

On Wednesday, Governor Lamont signed HB 8004, which addresses the issue of children's behavioral health, an issue I have been championing for quite some time and had hoped would pass during our most recent session.

 

 

As a tri-chair of the Transforming Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB), the legislation passed the House, but, unfortunately, it didn't get called in the Senate before the regular session ended. However, I could not be more pleased that it was a priority during the special session we held last week because it:

• Strengthens and improves behavioral resources.
• Connects families to community-based crisis centers to avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.
• Extends private health coverage for autism therapy through age 26.
• Reviews intensive outpatient services in hopes of improving prevention, early intervention, and treatment for children.

I would like to thank the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker Ritter, and all the individuals, from advocacy groups to families to legislators, who helped carry this bill across the finish line. Please click on the image below to hear my comments on why I believe addressing children's behavioral health is so important.