Advocacy
At the Mental Health Transformation Alliance (MHTA), advocacy is not something we do for families, youth and self advocates — it is something we do with them. Families, youth, and those with lived experience lead our work, ensuring that decisions are shaped by the people most impacted. Our goal is straightforward: to amplify authentic voices and establish systems that genuinely support healing, hope, and transformation.
Policy & Legislative Priorities
We advocate for policies that reflect the real needs of families, youth, and communities. Current priorities include:
- Protecting access to Medicaid and vital mental health services for children and families
- Expanding certification and funding for Parent and Youth Peer Support Specialists with lived experience
- Ensuring SNAP and other resources support whole families, not just individuals
- Promoting trauma-informed, equitable practices in schools, child welfare, and juvenile justice
Why it matters: Policies directly affect how families can care for their children, how youth access support, and how those with lived experience can lead change.
Action Alerts & Get Involved
We believe that every voice matters. Families, youth, and community members can take action by:
- Speaking Out: Contact your legislator using our sample letters, emails, and talking points.
- Staying Informed: Sign up for advocacy alerts so you know when your voice is needed most.
- Joining the Movement: Volunteer your time, share your story, or represent families and youth in leadership roles.
Family, Youth, and Lived Experience Voice
We know that lived experience is expertise. That’s why we:
- Lift Up Stories: Share real stories from families, youth, and caregivers to show how policies impact lives.
- Grow Leadership: Offer pathways for families and youth to join advisory councils and leadership trainings.
- Honor Every Voice: Create safe spaces for families, caregivers, and youth to be heard and respected as partners, not just participants.
Take Action now
NC Medicaid Family Experience Survey
People across North Carolina are experiencing changes with Medicaid, and your voice matters. Whether you use Medicaid or care for someone who does, sharing your story helps highlight what’s working, what’s not, and how these changes impact your community.
Tell Your Hurricane Helene Stories
NCCDD and Appalachian State University are seeking stories of people with I/DD, their families, and caregivers of their experiences during Hurricane Helene.
What went well during response and recovery? Lessons learned and changes needed for the future.
Why is sharing your experience important? Click Here
This section will soon feature powerful resources to help families, youth, and those with lived experience speak out and create meaningful change.
This section will soon feature powerful resources to help families, youth, and those with lived experience speak out and create meaningful change.
This section will soon feature powerful resources to help families, youth, and those with lived experience speak out and create meaningful change.
This section will soon feature powerful resources to help families, youth, and those with lived experience speak out and create meaningful change.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Growing Well Conference
Important NC Developmental Disabilities Conference October 12-14!
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities is excited to partner with the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness at Appalachian State on a conference focused on raising children and youth with developmental disabilities and other disabilities throughout their lifetime. Scholarships for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and family members are available for registration (and a limited number for travel).
Growing Well Conference
2025 Growing Well Conference: “Moving Mountains and Community”
Presented by AIHW Community Outreach and Education
October 12-14, 2025 | Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences
Boone, NC
The Conference is for: Family Members, People with Developmental Disabilities, Professionals, and Advocates!
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Family members and individuals with I/DD can apply for scholarships. There are a limited number of scholarships for registration and for travel to the conference for those more than three hours away from Boone.
Topics will include:
- Medical management of children with complex health conditions
- Evidence-based behavioral therapies
- Cross-system collaboration in child welfare and mental health
- Supporting youth through transitions from school to adulthood, including employment and other opportunities
Go here to Learn More and Register!
