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What we are doing.
1. Representation
2. Legislative Education.
Vermont Mental Health Crisis Response Commission.
VPS Rep Zack Hughes
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The Mental Health Crisis Response Commission was created by Act 45 of 2017. The commission is responsible for conducting reviews of law enforcement interactions with persons acting in a manner that created reason to believe a mental health crisis was occurring and resulted in a fatality or serious bodily injury to any party to the interaction.
Additionally, the commission is tasked with:
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identifying improved outcomes within community service systems,
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educating the public about intervention in and prevention of mental health crises
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recommending policies, practices, and services that encourage collaboration between law enforcement and persons
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recommending training strategies for public safety, emergency, or other crisis response personnel that will increase successful interventions
Meetings and work product of the commission are confidential, other than publicly released reports.
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Health Equality and Advisory Comission.
VPS Rep
Annettee Denio.
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The Health Equity Advisory Commission is advisory to the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont General Assembly.
Vermont State Statue References:
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Enabling legislation: Act 33 of 2021
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Relevant legislation: Sec. B.1106(a)(10) of Act 74 of 2021
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Governing statute: 18 V.S.A. §252
Purpose
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"Promote health equity and eradicate health disparities among Vermonters, including particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color; individuals who are LGBTQ; and individuals with disabilities.'
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"Amplify the voices of impacted communities regarding decisions made by the State that impact health equity, whether in the provision of health care services or as the result of social determinants of health.”
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"Provide strategic guidance on the development of the Office of Health Equity, including recommendations on the structure, responsibilities, and jurisdiction of such an office.”
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Land Access and Opportunity Board
VPS Rep
Zack Hughes.
The Land Access and Opportunity Board ("the Board") was created under Section 22 of Act 182 of 2022 to engage with Vermont organizations working on housing equity and land access "to recommend new opportunities and improve access to woodlands, farmland, and land and home ownership for Vermonters from historically marginalized or disadvantaged communities who continue to face barriers to land and home ownership."
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