(Statewide) – Wyoming Behavioral Health Alliance (WYBHA) is honored to
announce its formation and vision for addressing mental health needs in Wyoming.
This statewide, grassroots organization hopes to be a coalition of associations,
organizations, behavioral health professionals, consumers, and advocates dedicated to
mental health advocacy and public policy.
“Since March 2020, the demand for mental health services and access has escalated across the state. Many associations and non-profit organizations have surfaced with the hopes of addressing the crisis. The task is too great for one organization to tackle alone. Uniting as a coalition to improve mental health outcomes is what’s best for Wyoming,” said Lindsay Simineo, Executive Director of WYBHA.
Lindsay Simineo, MA, LPC, has advocated for the Wyoming Counseling Association since 2017 and has witnessed the need for a mental health coalition firsthand.
With Governor Gordon prioritizing mental health during his administration, as well as discussing mental health public policy with other mental health organizations, forming a grassroots coalition was the next logical step.
According to Simineo, many mental health associations and organizations are volunteer charitable organizations; meaning they have limited resources needed to address mental health public policy fully.
By joining a statewide coalition, non-profits can collaborate on the work they are currently doing while also sharing the financial burdens that come with statewide efforts.
“Many nonprofits become overwhelmed and end up not engaging in public policy how they would like to. This results in efforts remaining undone or never pursued. WYBHA wants to invite all mental health organizations and interested partners to the table. Together we will be more successful in addressing Wyoming’s needs.”
Those interested in learning more about the organization, joining the organization, or wanting to donate to their statewide efforts can do so here.