Mental Health Advocacy Day "Hope Starts Here - Prioritize, Invest, and Connect for Mental Wellness

Wednesday, January 29, 2025
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
In Person at the Statehouse and Vermont Supreme Courthouse Auditorium at 111 State Street, Montpelier

Join us for the 10th Annual Mental Health Advocacy Day on January 29th from 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Statehouse and the Vermont Supreme Courthouse Auditorium. Hundreds of mental health advocates and over 50 co-sponsoring organizations and their network will be calling on Vermont leaders and legislators to support the mental health of Vermonters. Our key theme is “Hope Starts Here – Prioritize, Invest, and Connect for Mental Wellness”.

You can join the morning program either virtually or in-person at the Vermont Supreme Courthouse Auditorium from 9 am-12 pm. The agenda includes a welcome address from state leaders, a legislative panel discussion, advocacy awards, and advocates sharing their lived experience stories of recovery and hope. ASL Interpreters will be available.

In the afternoon, events will continue at the Statehouse where attendees will meet with legislators, provide testimony to committees, and be recognized by the House of Representatives with a Resolution. Mental Health Advocates will be at the Statehouse Card Room on January 29th, allowing for an opportunity to meet and greet legislators! 

Directions to the Vermont Supreme Courthouse Auditorium (Room #110): Access Building through 109 State Street Lobby — Entrance off Governor Davis Avenue. Please bring a photo ID with you to enter the building.

Agenda

•   8:00-9:00 am — Bagels with Legislators (Statehouse Cafeteria)
•   9:00-9:15 am — Welcome and Introductions (VSC Auditorium)
•   9:15-10:00 am — State Leader Welcome (VSC Auditorium)
  •   Commissioner Emily Hawes, Dept. of Mental Health; Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski; and other state leaders
  •   Video Recording: US Senator Peter Welch and US Representative Becca Balint; US Senator Bernie Sanders (letter), Staffer addressing in person.
•   10:00-10:40 am — Legislative Panel Discussion
  •   Moderator: Emily Hawes, Commissioner, Dept. of Mental Health
  •   Panelists: Moderator: Jane Kitchel (Ret. Senator); Diane Lanpher (Ret. Representative); Rep. Brian Cina; Senator Martine Larocque Gulick
•   10:40-11:00 am — Mental Health Advocacy Day Awards
  •   Rising Star Award
  •   Advocacy of the Year Award
  •   Excellence in Leadership Award
•   11:00 am-12:00 pm — Sharing Stories – Live
•   12:00 pm — Lunch (on your own) – meet with legislators (Statehouse cafeteria)
•   1:00 pm — Press Conference (Cedar Creek Room at the Statehouse). Ice Cream social to follow (cafeteria)
•   Afternoon — Resolution by House of Representatives (House Chamber)
•   Throughout the day – Testimony at Key Legislative Committees
•   Throughout the day – Card Room Exhibit Tables (near Cafeteria at Statehouse)