Advocacy Corner

Peer Support in Medicare Act

Delve into the legislative efforts behind the Peers in Medicare Act, an initiative aimed at integrating recovery-oriented, peer-led services into Medicare to expand access to mental health care.

Advocates promoting awareness about peer support inclusion in Medicare legislation

Peer Support in Medicare Act

Date: December 18, 2023
Author: Brittany Oneill

At Mental Health Partnerships, we are proud to be affiliated with Mental Health America as they lead the way in advocating for the introduction of the Peers in Medicare Act in Congress.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), along with Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), are working to create better access to person-centered and recovery-oriented services for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Let's work together to ensure that mental health support is accessible and affordable for all.

Click below to read Mental Health America’s official press release:
Leading mental health organizations applaud introduction of Peers in Medicare Act in Congress
Leigh Braden, MSW, Division Director for The Institute@MHP
Mental Health Partnerships is at the forefront of the movement to train peer specialists, setting the standard for quality and effectiveness in peer support services. If you're interested in becoming a Certified Peer Specialist, you can find more information about our Institute@MHP and the program here.
Explore More Stories

Related Reading from Our Advocacy Corner

Stay informed and inspired by exploring more stories from our Advocacy Corner. From uplifting community visits to powerful policy insights and personal recovery journeys, these articles spotlight the people and progress shaping mental health advocacy today.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier meets with community members at A New Life advocacy center
President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter pictured together honoring their advocacy legacy
Rosalynn Carter seated in spotlight for her fearless work in dismantling mental health stigma
Mental Health Partnerships boardroom meeting on advancing mental health in Pennsylvania
Pink cancer ribbon with support resources for those caring for loved ones with cancer
Two peer supporters sharing smiles and warmth in a Philadelphia community mental health program
Peer specialists gathered in a training session to support the future of peer support programs
Group of advocates during Peer Support Day discussing findings from a regional mental health survey
Parents and caregivers participating in fall Parenting Plus mental health education program
Advocates promoting awareness about peer support inclusion in Medicare legislation
Launch of the Supporting Young Minds guide offering mental health tools for families and youth
Campaign materials promoting mental health priorities for Pennsylvania’s 2024 general election
Woman bonding with a horse during an equine therapy session supporting mental health recovery
College student preparing for a new semester with a mental health checklist on a desk
Celebrating Black excellence in mental health advocacy with community leaders and changemakers
Young woman holding graduation cap after completing internship at Mental Health Partnerships
Portrait of Bebe Moore Campbell celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Philadelphia residents staying safe during a heatwave on designated Code Red days
Philadelphia residents coping with extreme heat, advocating safety during Code Red alerts
Dr. Jeannine Lisitski smiles while sharing her vision as CEO of Mental Health Partnerships
Child using tablet, symbolizing the need for safe digital habits and social media balance
Illustration showing emotional expression as part of the 'Speechless' naming your emotions campaign
Flat lay of a mental health toolkit with essential items for managing well-being
Public discussion on mental health and housing in the 2024–25 Pennsylvania state budget
Person lifting weights representing the connection between physical fitness and mental well-being
Woman practicing deep breathing outdoors for Stress Awareness Month relaxation tips
Women leaders recognized for their contributions during Women’s History Month and mental health efforts
Homeless individual bundled for winter, illustrating a call to compassion and support
People in a supportive group session on World Mental Health Day highlighting peer support
Voter casting ballot in support of mental health advocacy during Pennsylvania’s 2023 election
Children standing together outdoors symbolizing unity in response to youth mental health crisis
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Our Impact by the Numbers

Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities

From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

8,480

individuals and families served

34

active programs across the region

1,106

Peer Specialists trained each year

5,801

people supported through direct services

3000+

individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach

1,573

engaged in community advocacy

Hear from Those Who’ve Walked the Path

Real Stories of Hope and Recovery

We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.

Video Transcript

"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."

"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."

"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."

"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."

"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.

So these experiences already live within your walls."

"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."

"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."

"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."

"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."

"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."

"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"

"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."

"Together..."

"Together..."

"Together...we build hope."

"Together...we build hope."

"We build hope."

"We build hope."

"Together...we build hope."

"Together...we build hope."

"Together...we build hope."

"Period!"

Core Values That Inspire Change

Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth

At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.

Your Path to Wellness Begins Here

Together, We Build Hope

At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.

Voices of Our Community

Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude

Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.

Ready to Begin?

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.