The recent Montgomery Health Policy Meeting brought together state leaders and healthcare experts to discuss mental health care in Alabama.
Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, welcomed attendees and emphasized the need for collaboration in tackling mental health issues statewide.
"Addressing mental health care requires a unified effort among healthcare professionals and community leaders to create a more supportive and effective system. The Montgomery Health Policy Meeting highlighted the impactful work being done by the Montgomery community, the state of Alabama, and UAB in mental health care."
Will Rutland, M.D., assistant professor with the Montgomery Regional Campus, and Commissioner Kimberly Boswell of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, led the opening panel on Alabama’s mental health care efforts. Historically, those experiencing a mental health crisis had limited options and often ended up in emergency departments or jails. Today, the state is expanding 24/7 crisis centers and promoting the use of 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline, as a more effective entry point for care.
According to Boswell, when you’re in the middle of a mental health crisis, it’s not the time to figure out who to call. That’s why 988 is so important.
The panel also addressed mobile crisis teams in rural areas—an initiative gaining momentum but not yet in all counties. Early intervention, especially for children, was highlighted as a key area of hope, with activities like music and sports helping build resilience.
Fredrick Vars, Robert W. Hodgkins Chairholder of Law with the University of Alabama, discussed legislation aimed at reducing impulsive suicides.
Kenneth Rosenberg, M.D., was this year’s Distinguished Kennamer Lecturer. A psychiatrist and documentarian, Rosenberg focused on the long-term costs of untreated mental illness. He advocated for early education and preventive care and shared a short documentary about teaching young adults about mental health.