NCPA's Advocacy Efforts

The NC Psychiatric Association is a non-partisan organization that works to represent and advance the practice of medicine and psychiatry in North Carolina through the policy-making and legislative process. But what does that actually mean, and how do we advocate for our members and the mental health field?

• We have registered lobbyists who works hard to make sure psychiatrists, providers, and mental health professionals are at the table during important policy-making discussions and meetings. 
• We attend legislative meetings and talk to legislators and other policymakers to ensure they have the facts about how legislative decisions will affect patients, providers, and others. 
• We track legislation that affects the mental health field, including issues related to substance use disorders, and the practice of psychiatry. 
• We are part of statewide coalitions, committees, and work groups that discuss mental health and substance use disorders to monitor issues, trends, and policies. 
• We sponsor and participate in advocacy events at the General Assembly. Our members also participate in White Coat Wednesday events, where physicians attend the General Assembly to raise awareness of medical issues and the practice of medicine in North Carolina. 
• We issue position statements and communicate with legislators, the Governor, and other government officials about the benefits and potential consequences of specific legislation and policies. 

We encourage our members and the public to stay informed and involved, and we hope the resources found here will help you do that.