
PARCA held its 2025 PARCA Annual Forum – State of Mind: Navigating Alabama’s Mental Health Dilemma on March 7, 2025 at The Harbert Center.
Mental health is a statewide concern that profoundly impacts education, workforce productivity, and Alabama’s future. This year’s forum explored state and local policy solutions, innovative programs, and practical strategies to strengthen mental health systems and support Alabama’s students and workers.
The program included insights from state leaders and experts in the field. View each session below.
Why Mental Health?
Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter addressed the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama regarding the critical need for improved mental health support. He shared his personal journey toward understanding the pervasive nature of mental health challenges, prompted by a poignant story from a constituent and a subsequent call to action from the Governor. Ledbetter highlighted key advances in Alabama’s mental healthcare system, including implementing mental health coordinators in schools and establishing crisis centers. Despite this progress, he emphasized that significant work remains, particularly in long-term care, and stressed the widespread impact of mental health issues, even within his own family’s experience. He commended the dedication of mental health professionals and underscored the importance of continued collective effort to address this ongoing crisis in Alabama and the nation.
Mental Health in Alabama
Alabama’s Commissioner of Mental Health, Kimberly G. Boswell, provided an overview of the state of mental health in Alabama. Her presentation highlighted concerning statistics for both adults and youth, including high rates of mental illness, substance use, and suicidal ideation, particularly noting a decline in youth mental health linked to adverse childhood experiences and a shift towards phone-based childhoods. Boswell detailed the devastating impact of past budget cuts on the mental health system but emphasized the significant recent financial commitment and collaborative efforts to rebuild and enhance services. Key initiatives discussed included the development of crisis centers and mobile crisis teams, implementing the 988 crisis hotline, and moving towards an integrated care model focusing on early intervention and addressing trauma. The Commissioner stressed the importance of relationships and limiting phone use to improve mental well-being and praised the unified support from policymakers. Commissioner Boswell’s PowerPoint presentation is available here.
What is Working? How Can We Improve?
The panel discussed the ongoing challenges and impactful initiatives aimed at bolstering mental health support across the state, particularly for children and adolescents. The conversation highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts, adequate funding, and addressing systemic barriers to enhance mental healthcare access and outcomes. The panelists also touch upon the significance of trauma-informed practices, cultural competency, and the critical role of community and policy in fostering a more supportive mental health landscape.
The panel was moderated by Robin Sparks, Mental Health Initiative Director at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Panelists included:
-Jeremy Blair – CEO, Wellstone
-Kate O’Day, LCSW – CEO, Gateway
-Melissa Shields, Ed.D., NBCT – Assistant State Superintendent, State Department of Education
-Chandra Brown Stewart – Executive Director, Lifelines Counseling Services
-Rep. Pebblin Warren – Alabama House of Representatives
Where Do We Go From Here?
Lou Lacey, Director of Emotional Wellness at Children’s of Alabama, addressed the current mental health crisis, particularly among children. Drawing from decades of experience counseling trauma victims and serving as the emotional wellness director, Lacey highlighted the overwhelming need for mental health support, evidenced by increased inpatient days and emergency department visits. Despite these challenges, Lacey offered a message of hope, emphasizing the positive impact of connection, love, and collective effort in addressing these critical issues.
Governor Albert Brewer Legacy Lunch
Governor Kay Ivey provided the keynote address for this year’s Governor Albert Brewer Legacy Lunch. In her address, Gov. Ivey highlighted key achievements during her tenure, emphasizing progress in areas like mental health services, education rankings, broadband access, and infrastructure improvements. She also outlined ongoing legislative priorities, including initiatives to protect children online and enhance public safety. The address reflected on past successes, ongoing challenges, and the governor’s vision for Alabama’s future.