Balint Champions Mental Health Access in Burlington, Calls for National Expansion
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-01) recently visited Burlington, Vermont, to highlight the critical need for accessible and comprehensive mental health resources. Her visit included a tour of the Howard Center's mental health urgent care center, a vital community asset providing immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Balint underscored the importance of expanding similar services nationwide, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and the urgent need for federal investment.
The Howard Center, a leading non-profit organization in Vermont, has been providing mental health, substance use, and developmental services for over 50 years. The urgent care center, in particular, provides a crucial safety net for those facing acute mental health distress, offering walk-in assessments, crisis intervention, and connections to ongoing care. Balint’s visit aimed to understand firsthand how these services operate and to identify potential avenues for federal support.
“Seeing the Howard Center’s work firsthand was incredibly impactful,” Balint stated. “It’s a testament to the dedication of their staff and the vital role they play in our community. But the reality is, Burlington is an exception. Too many communities across the country lack these essential resources, leaving individuals and families struggling without immediate support.”
During her tour, Balint engaged with clinicians and staff, learning about the challenges they face in meeting the growing demand for mental health services. She heard stories of individuals who found immediate relief and support at the urgent care center, preventing potential hospitalizations and connecting them with long-term care plans. The conversations reinforced the need for increased funding and policy changes to address the national mental health crisis.
Balint’s advocacy aligns with a broader effort in Congress to expand access to mental health care. She has been a vocal supporter of legislation aimed at increasing the mental health workforce, improving insurance coverage for mental health services, and integrating mental health care into primary care settings. Her visit to Burlington served as a powerful reminder of the importance of these initiatives and the positive impact they can have on individuals and communities.
“We need to treat mental health with the same seriousness and urgency as physical health,” Balint continued. “That means investing in prevention, early intervention, and accessible treatment options for everyone, regardless of their zip code. The Howard Center is a model for what’s possible, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that communities across the country have access to similar resources.”
The congresswoman’s visit concluded with a commitment to continue advocating for policies that prioritize mental health and expand access to care. She plans to share her observations and insights with her colleagues in Congress and work collaboratively to develop solutions that address the national mental health crisis.
