At Pacific Clinics, we aim to advance behavioral health care. Systems change is one way we engage in advocacy to create healthy communities. Educating makers with data, personal stories and the voice and choice of our clients improve systems that help communities flourish.
By partnering with like-minded leaders and influencing policymakers, we move the needle to advance health outcomes and healthy equity that benefit all.
How We Advocate for Our Clients at the State and Federal Levels
Approximately one in every five adults lives with a mental illness, and yet, high-quality behavioral health services are not available to all. By advocating on local, state and federal levels, we hope to create more equitable opportunities for children, adults and families in California.
Our lobbying efforts focus heavily on Medi-Cal, which supports the well-being of over 13 million Californians, making its systems and regulatory processes a top priority in our efforts.
We know change does not happen overnight. We believe we can positively impact public policy with ongoing engagement and collaborative partnerships backed by targeted research. Legislative reform is key to creating a more equitable world for historically marginalized communities.
Policy development is just the first goal in our advocacy efforts; we want to see real change in health care services across all communities. Children of color in low-income communities face greater risks of developing mental health illnesses and experience less access to quality physical and mental health care services. We are dedicated to making health care more integrated, equitable, and effective for all children, youths, adults and families.
Pacific Clinics works closely with administrators, elected officials, school districts, county board supervisors, city councils and state and federal legislators to advocate for evidence and communities based programs that deliver targeted and positive outcomes. Our stakeholder engagement amplifies underrepresented voices to promote the well-being of everyone.
View our Policy Platform
The Impact of Advocacy
Advocacy is no longer an option in today’s socially and politically charged climate; it is a requirement. Current health care policies neglect to consider the needs of every individual, so we must act to see changes.
In California, there has been advancement through CalAIM to eliminate the barriers and structural racism that has led to poor health outcomes, particularly for communities of color. And yet, there is more to be done.
Psychological dysfunctions are extremely common among all age groups, ethnicities, income levels, and genders:
- In 2021, the National Institute of Mental Health estimated that 57.8 million adults were living with mental illnesses but that only 26.5 million (or 47.2%) received mental health services during the same year.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six children between ages two and eight have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.
- Based on CDC data in 2016, only 78% of children with depression receive treatment, 59% with anxiety receive treatment, and 53% with behavioral disorders receive treatment.
- CDC data shows that 22% of children who live 100% below the federal poverty line have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.
- The CDC shows that children who’ve been racially or ethnically discriminated against have an over 10% higher chance of developing mental health conditions.
- Approximately 2.5 million adults in the U.S. had an opioid abuse disorder in 2021, but only 22% received medication to treat it.
- In 2016, nearly 20 million adults required substance abuse treatment, but only 10% received specialty treatment.
Our efforts aim to bridge the gap between deficiencies in the health care systems and quality and accessible services. We do so by building coalitions to amplifying the voices of communities to educate those in positions of power about the need for comprehensive, culturally respectful and effective care.
Join Our Advocacy Efforts
Policy and advocacy efforts are most effective when they are targeted and give voice to the under-represented and unseen individuals. Getting involved is the best way to make changes in your community. Here are some of the primary resources we use in our advocacy efforts:
Find Your Local Representatives
Find state and federal representatives using these sources:
Upcoming Elections
Prepare for upcoming elections and learn how to cast your votes using the following resources:
Helpful Resources
Learn more about mental health advocacy, racial equity, and social services using these resources:
Advocacy Programs You Can Get Involved In
Get involved in statewide or nationwide associations to join the positive policy and advocacy movement:
