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Mental Health Legislation Takes Center Stage at Capitol - CT News Junkie

Mental Health and Wellness Day at the Connecticut State Capitol honored the legacy of late Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams and spotlighted several key mental health initiatives.

State Rep. Kai Belton, who replaced Williams after his tragic death in 2023, led the event, emphasizing healing and connection through the launch of a wellness fair. As a licensed clinical social worker, Belton used the platform to promote House Bill 7214, which targets disparities in maternal mental health care by mandating a public report on hospital practices and doula integration.

Lawmakers used the day to unveil and discuss major behavioral health proposals:

  • Rep. Patrick Biggins shared the passage of HB 7158, aimed at improving coordination between healthcare providers and schools during youth psychiatric crises. It enables the sharing of safety plans with schools (with parental consent) and mandates better discharge planning for minors.

  • Rep. Tammy Exum, a leader in children's mental health policy, called for sustained implementation and funding of youth mental health reforms passed in 2022. She stressed the importance of Connecticut’s three Urgent Crisis Centers (including Wellmore in Waterbury) as safer, trauma-informed alternatives to hospital ERs for youth in crisis.

  • Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey advocated for legislation supporting overdose prevention centers, intended to provide safe environments for those struggling with substance use, where they can access care and potentially life-saving resources.

The event, tied to Mental Health Awareness Month, served both as a memorial and a forward-looking call to action for improved mental health support across Connecticut.



Credit: Karla Ciaglo / CTNewsJunkie



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We offer an array of outpatient and intensive in-home programs for treating substance use and behavioral health issues. Therapy can be beneficial or necessary for both the individual with substance use issues, other family members, and loved ones.


Call us at 203-756-7287 (Children & Adolescents), 203-755-1143 (Adults), or visit wellmore.org for more information.


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