Advocacy

The Trust works to promote understanding of beneficiaries and the services needed to support them. This is done through various methods but includes being a statewide voice and advocating for the development and funding of programs and laws that will help Trust beneficiaries. Trust leadership works closely with the administration, Legislature and state departments to advise on funding and policies.

Advocating for Community-based Services


The Trust remains a strong advocate for maintaining crucial services for our state’s most vulnerable populations. When community-based services are reduced or eliminated because of budget cuts, these citizens are more likely to end up in emergency room care, psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, jail or prison—most often at state expense. There will always be public costs serving Trust beneficiaries— either on the front end with community supports or on the back end with expensive institutional care.

However, community behavioral health treatment and rehabilitative services can cost 66 to 86 percent less than inpatient psychiatric care, and community support services for seniors can cost 28 to 88 percent less than nursing home care. Examples of community-based services include housing assistance, assisted living, family caregiver and natural supports, case management, education and training for providers and caregivers, peer support, transportation, mental health and substance abuse treatment.