Press Release  Secretary Mahaniah Launches Statewide Community Mental Health Tour

LAWRENCE — Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA began his months-long Community Mental Health Tour with a visit to the Beth Israel Lahey Health Behavioral Services Community Behavioral Health Center on Wednesday.   

Over the next few months, Secretary Mahaniah will be visiting mental health care access points across the spectrum of prevention, treatment, and recovery to highlight Governor Maura Healey’s investment in mental health services and raise public awareness about programs and services available across Massachusetts. 

“In Massachusetts, we know that prioritizing mental health is as important as prioritizing physical health. As a practicing family medicine physician, I see too often how mental wellness gets neglected until moments of crisis,” said Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “Governor Healey and our entire administration are focused on increasing access to mental health care services across our state. This tour will not only amplify the good work happening in our communities but will also help make sure residents know the resources available to them to preempt an emergency response.”  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has significantly invested in services to support the growing demand for mental health services. This includes investment in community-based behavioral health services for young people, support for the behavioral health workforce, and most recently Governor Healey’s FY27 budget investment of $1.34 billion for the Department of Mental Health. 

“In Massachusetts, we are lucky to have robust mental health services available for people of all ages,” said DMH Commissioner Emily Bailey. “But we know there is more work to be done and communities where access remains limited. With this tour, we hope to connect more people across the state with the resources available to them.” 

Stops on the tour will include Community Behavioral Health Centers, community-based partners working with the Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention, high school co-response teams, and more.  

Follow along the Secretary’s tour on Instagram at @masseohhs. 

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