Nation’s Mayors Welcome Administration Action on Mental Health Parity

Addressing America's Mental Health Crisis a Top Priority for Cities

Washington, D.C.- Today, the Biden Administration finalized rules that strengthen mental health parity for health coverage in America. The action seeks to ensure that people with private health insurance can access care for mental health in the same way they do for physical health. America's mayors have put a spotlight on the mental health crisis in America and have worked closely with the Administration to advance solutions like this one. In response to this news, U.S. Conference of Mayors President Columbus (OH) Mayor Andrew Ginther released the following statement.

"Access to affordable mental health care is one of the greatest obstacles to solving this crisis, and America's mayors applaud the Administration for putting millions more people in a position to get the care they need. We know that early intervention is critical to managing and alleviating mental health episodes, and this access should not be reserved for a fortunate few. Mental health is an issue that touches everyone, and it has a cascading effect on cities and communities. By rethinking how we approach mental health, we can save lives, and make progress on issues like homelessness, violent crime, and substance abuse. This action is welcome, but we know more must be done. America needs a comprehensive strategy for mental health - one with a strong federal-local partnership - and American mayors will continue to fight for reform until everyone can get the help they need."