We find ourselves in a critical moment of need—and of opportunity. In the aftermath of a global pandemic and amid ongoing economic uncertainty, the United States is experiencing an unprecedented mental health and substance use crisis.

Open a newspaper, watch television or spend any time on social media: a topic on many people’s minds is concern about mental health and substance use. That’s why it’s time for a meaningful national conversation about these issues. And more than simply talk: it’s time to remove the barriers to equitable and available coverage for these conditions so people can get the help they need. Because we know the barriers are a lack of aligned action, not a lack of will, and certainly not a lack of need.