Janet Hays: Healing Minds NOLA journey to reform mental health systems

Janet Hayes shares her journey as a severe mental illness advocate reshaping New Orleans through innovative care systems for those with serious mental health challenges. • Started advocacy after Hurricane Katrina when untreated mental illness led to criminalization • Witnessed a friend die in custody due to inadequate mental health and medical care • Founded Healing Minds NOLA to create a "one-stop shop" for mental health care • Successfully led implementation of Assistive Outpatient Treatment courts in Louisiana • Working to reform the "15-day rule" limiting psychiatric hospitalization under Medicaid • Advocates need to understand their specific state systems rather than applying generic solutions • Louisiana has adequate psychiatric bed capacity but lacks long-term continuity of care • Policy barriers, not just funding issues, prevent effective treatment for severe mental illness • Ideological positions often prevent pragmatic solutions that could help vulnerable individuals • Advocates are more effective when they understand local systems and speak from experience https://whynotme.world intro/outro music written by T. Wild Why Not me music published by Mantor Music (BMI) The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.