Decriminalizing Mental Health – Caroline Fisher-O’Neill, Esq.

Listen to Amica Simmons-Yon, PharmD, PhD and Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP as they spill the tea on Decriminalizing Mental Health with special guest, Caroline Fisher-O’Neill, Esq. During this episode, Caroline informs us on the meaning of “criminalization of mental health” so that we can better understand this disparity. She provides us with some examples of disproportionate criminalization and highlights what is currently being done to swing the pendulum in the opposite direction to decriminalize mental health. Excitedly, Caroline lets us know where we can find more resources on this topic! Featuring: Caroline Fisher-O’Neill, Esq.; Director, State Government Affairs, OAPI Caroline Fisher-O’Neill is the East Director for State Government Affairs at Otsuka. Prior to joining this team, nearly 10 years ago, she worked in the Massachusetts State Legislature on health policy. Serving as the General and Health Policy Counsel to the Senate Chair of the Healthcare Finance Committee, and later as Health Policy Counsel to the Speaker of the House, she gained a significant amount of exposure to the challenges inherent in the healthcare policy landscape. In her current role, she works with the GA team to drive open access to treatments and services for Otsuka’s patient populations and leads initiatives to support Otsuka’s commitment to helping individuals with serious mental illness. She resides in Brooklyn, NY. Amica Simmons-Yon, PharmD, PhD Clinical & Scientific Liaison, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization, Inc. Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP Clinical & Scientific Liaison, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization, Inc. Links: PsychU Interview | Decriminalizing Mental Illness: https://bit.ly/3Nm04WP PsychU Article | Baton Rouge Area Foundation Plans to Create Community Mental Health Diversion Center: https://bit.ly/3PtZGHW PsychU Article | Oregon Law To Decriminalize Drug Use Goes Into Effect, Offering Addiction Treatment Instead Of Incarceration: https://bit.ly/3lnLa6w PsychU Article | Federal Appeals Court Prohibits Arresting Homeless People For Sleeping In Public When Shelter Beds Are Insufficient: https://bit.ly/3Ptv0GF PsychU Article | Connecticut, New Mexico, New York & Virginia Legalized Recreational Use of Marijuana in 2021: https://bit.ly/3FVuTiP Caroline Fisher-O’Neill, Amica Simmons-Yon and Alyssa Peckham are employees of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc PsychU is supported by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (OPDC), Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OAPI), and Lundbeck, LLC – committed supporters of the mental health treatment community. The opinions expressed by PsychU’s contributors are their own and are not endorsed or recommended by PsychU or its sponsors. The information provided through PsychU is intended for the educational benefit of mental health care professionals and others who support mental health care. It is not intended as, nor is it a substitute for, medical care, advice, or professional diagnosis. Health care professionals should use their independent medical judgement when reviewing PsychU's educational resources. Users seeking medical advice should consult with a health care professional. No CME or CEU credits are available through any of the resources provided by PsychU. Some of the contributors may be paid consultants for OPDC, OAPI, and / or Lundbeck, LLC. US.CORP.X.22.00154