How do you support your members, who support everyone else’s mental wellbeing, during a pandemic? What is the new 988 hotline and why is it important? What is mental health first aid and who needs to be trained?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of The National Council for Mental Wellbeing or the National Council. Chuck introduces the National Center, shares his journey to becoming the Chief Executive, and the things that the National Council is doing to thrive. Chuck discusses:

• Who the members of the National Council are and the services they provide.
• How the National Council worked with the US Congress and state legislatures early in the pandemic to allow telehealth visits with providers to be reimbursable.
• Why so many association and nonprofit chief execs come from government affairs.
• The National Council’s Mental Health First Aid course and how it’s fueled the organization’s growth and success.  The National Council has now trained over 3 million people in mental health first aid.
• The National Council’s goal of training 22 million people in mental health first aid.
• The National Council’s advocacy efforts that led to Congress approving $8 billion dollars for states to expand certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs).
• The service that allows anyone in the US to dial 988 and be connected with a mental health professional. This is akin to dialing 911, but for mental health support.
• How they had Rob Lowe and Daniel Pink as speakers at their annual conference last May.
• How they tried new things at this year’s annual conference, including meetups for different groups, and a puppy park where attendees could come and play with, and adopt, puppies!
• How their membership is strong and growing!

References:

• National Council for Mental Wellbeing website
• Mental Health First Aid
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline