Translating Capitol Hill to Your Business: An Interview with Vice President of Government Relations at Acadia Healthcare, Osei Mevs

John: You have a wealth of experience and demonstrated track record of advocating effectively for organizations at the local, state, and federal level for many years. In your opinion, how have the advocacy arena and lobbying evolved to today, and why is it important for organizations to understand the current landscape?

Absolutely! It's been quite a journey observing the shifts in advocacy and lobbying, hasn't it? The landscape has really changed, especially with all of the tech advancements and digital platforms popping up. It's like organizations have to constantly up their game to make a mark.

First off, think about how tech's taken center stage. Digital and social media are huge now, right? They're like these powerful megaphones for organizations to broadcast their message, connect with people, and really make some noise in the digital world.

Then there's transparency. With everyone having access to so much info, organizations can't just talk the talk; they've got to walk the walk, too. Being open and honest in their advocacy efforts is crucial, or else they risk losing trust.

Also, it's not just about whispering in the ears of policymakers. It's about rallying public support, getting grassroots movements on board, and teaming up with other groups. It's like building a whole community around a cause.

Data's a big deal, too. It's like having a roadmap for your advocacy journey. Organizations are using data to fine-tune their messages, stay ahead of policy trends, and really understand the impact they're making.

And let's not forget about keeping up with the times. What worked yesterday might not cut it today. Staying in tune with the current scene is vital for anyone who wants to make a real difference in advocacy.

John: The healthcare ecosystem in recent years has struggled around solutions to alleviate a constrained and declining workforce. How might the government play an important part in creating a sustainable healthcare workforce for the future?

The behavioral health sector sure is up against a lot, isn't it? Workforce shortages, skyrocketing demand, and those ever-present health disparities. But hey, there are some solid moves the government could make to help out.

First up, education and training need a cash boost. More money for training clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals is key. The American Psychological Association says we're going to need a lot more of them — like 14% more by 2028.

Then there's the whole student debt thing. It's like a giant roadblock stopping people from getting into behavioral health. The government could totally change the game— 77% of counties in the U.S. are super short on mental health professionals.

Telehealth and digital therapies are another biggie. They're game changers for people who can't easily access mental health care because of distance, cost, or just feeling too stigmatized. The government could help more folks get this kind of care, which really took off during the pandemic.

And diversity? It's not just a buzzword; it's essential. A diverse workforce can up the quality of care and help tackle those health disparities.

Finally, let's talk integrated care models. These are like the Avengers of healthcare — bringing behavioral health and primary care together to fight inefficiency and high costs. The HRSA's big on this, are saying it can help cover the gap in mental health services.

So, those are some of the big moves on the table. Education, debt relief, telehealth, diversity, integrated care — they're the key components for the future of behavioral health.

John: The rise of Generative AI and other technology solutions and tools are poised to dominate continued evolution of our healthcare system. Should or does the government have a hand in helping to foster the proper environment to further innovation and thought leadership in the corporate setting? How are your efforts helping Acadia drive better and more effective services for the consumer?

You've hit on a super interesting point about how the government's stepping up its game in the healthcare tech world. They're really tuning in to the whole Generative AI scene and other tech marvels.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is saying the government's got to not just keep pace with private sector innovations but also give them a boost, especially in critical areas like healthcare.

Then, there's this nugget from the National Institutes of Health. They're talking about unlocking AI's potential in healthcare. Their big idea? Forge partnerships between public and private sectors and set up policies that really nurture this technology. It's all about teamwork and having the right rules in play.

Healthcare as a whole is weaving advanced tech like AI into our fabric, fine-tuning how we operate and seriously upping our care game. With AI and data analytics, we can whip up more tailored and effective treatment plans. It's all about pushing the boundaries for better patient results.

We cannot go full throttle on tech. We've got to play by the rules, too. Innovation is awesome. But let's keep it safe and effective.

John: Advocating effectively is certainly a skillset in itself. How much of that effectiveness is being able to accurately translate government to your business and vice versa? Ideally, what should that translation process look like?

John, you're spot on about advocacy being like this translation job between government and business. It's all about making sense of complex stuff on both sides.

Think of it like this: you've got these super intricate government policies, right? The trick in advocacy is turning that into something businesses can actually work with. And it goes the other way, too, getting business needs into a language that policymakers get. The job is all about making these two worlds understand each other. That's the magic of advocacy.

But here's the kicker: you've got to be clued-up on both government policies and business goals. It's not just about throwing words out there. It's about hitting the right notes, making sure what you say matters to both the government and business folks. The message and policy have to resonate and align with everyone's priorities.

So, how do you pull this off? First, you dive deep into research and analysis. Get the lowdown on government policies and their impact on business. Then, you switch gears to strategic communication. Craft clear, persuasive messages tailored to who you're talking to, whether it's government or the business.

And don't forget the feedback loop. Keep the conversation flowing between government and business to stay synced and tweak strategies as needed.

Building relationships within the government is another big piece of the puzzle. It's not just about your message; it's about trust and understanding — relationships are key.

Advocacy's all about this translation job between government and business. You've got to nail strategic communication, build solid relationships, and really get what both sides need and want. It's kind of like being a diplomat in the business world.

John: Why are advocacy and understanding that “inside baseball” important for every healthcare leader to have in their toolkit?

Understanding the intricacies of advocacy and the "inside baseball" of healthcare are crucial for leaders in the field. Here's why, backed by some data:

1. Complex Regulatory Environment: The healthcare sector is governed by a complex set of regulations. For instance, the Affordable Care Act alone includes over 20,000 pages of regulations. Leaders need to navigate these to ensure compliance and effective operation.
2. Impact on Policy and Funding: The American Hospital Association (AHA) emphasizes that policy decisions can significantly impact hospital funding. Leaders who understand and engage in advocacy can influence these decisions, securing better funding and resources.
3. Patient Advocacy: A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patient outcomes can improve when healthcare leaders advocate for patient-centric policies. Understanding the inner workings of policy helps leaders champion the needs of patients.
4. Healthcare Costs and Quality: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported that U.S. healthcare spending reached $3.8 trillion in 2019, or about 18% of GDP. Leaders with advocacy skills can influence policies that manage costs while improving care quality.
5. Staffing and Workforce Challenges: With the Association of American Medical Colleges predicting a shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033, leaders need to understand and advocate for policies that address workforce challenges.

In essence, for healthcare leaders, being adept in advocacy and understanding the detailed workings of healthcare policies isn't just an asset; it's essential for navigating the sector's complexities, influencing positive change, and ensuring the best outcomes for organizations and patients.