CARA CABRAL

Dear Honorable Members of the House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee, I urge you to reject HB 1372 because it advances a model of care that research and historical experience have repeatedly shown to be ineffective and harmful. If the goal is truly to support individuals with severe mental illness, the commission should include members with real expertise in this area. As written, the commission includes only one representative from DHHS. It is deeply concerning that this is the only member positioned to bring a public health or clinical perspective to a matter fundamentally rooted in systems of care. Community mental health providers and, most importantly, individuals with lived experience must have a seat at the table. This issue is complex and systemic, and solutions should focus on addressing root causes such as housing shortages and workforce gaps while investing in person-centered care grounded in evidence, best practices, and the voices of those most affected. Respectfully Submitted, Cara Cabral