July 2, 2025
Medicaid & Medicare - Happy 60th Birthday!
Today, July 30th, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act. These three programs form the basis of our country's social safety net and its commitment to ensuring everyone can achieve the American Dream
Today, July 30th, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act. These three programs form the basis of our country's social safety net and its commitment to ensuring everyone can achieve the American Dream. President Johnson signed this legislation into law in 1965, resulting from years of effort to create universal healthcare in the 1930s and 1940s.
At Mental Health Partnerships, these programs are part of our history and the promise of achieving our mission. We are unwavering in our commitment to defend and strengthen them for the communities we serve.
Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act have provided millions of Americans access to affordable healthcare. It is important to understand some of what these programs have accomplished in the last 60 years:
- Medicaid is America’s largest source of health insurance coverage, covering over 73 million people (1 in 5), and it's our country's most important tool in fighting health disparities.
- Medicaid covers over 3 million residents in PA and has expanded healthcare for thousands of individuals.
- 26% of all mental health treatment costs, and 40% of total spending for addiction services are covered by Medicaid.
- Medicaid covers over 41% of all births in the United States.
- Research has concluded that access to Medicaid is associated with favorable health outcomes, such as increased mental health and decreased mortality rates.
- Medicare has achieved nearly universal health coverage for adults over 65, ensuring they can live with dignity without financial ruin.
Medicaid, Medicare, and the Older Americans Act have transformed lives, increasing access to mental health and addiction treatment and allowing millions to age with dignity. These programs prove that policy can positively change generations when grounded in compassion and equity.
With the upcoming funding cuts in H.R. 1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), celebrating why these programs are the bedrock of our country's social safety net is more important than ever. As we mark this milestone, we must reflect on the progress made and recommit ourselves to protecting and expanding these vital programs.
At Mental Health Partnerships, we know the work is far from over. We will continue to fight against funding cuts, advocate for stronger protections, and ensure that these lifelines remain intact for future generations.
Join us to celebrate this anniversary and advocate for these programs continued existence:
Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Time: 10:00am - 10:30am
Location: Octavius V. Catto Memorial, South Side of Philadelphia City Hall
Special guest: Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes
Jeannine L. Lisitski, Ph.D
President and Chief Executive Officer
Related Reading from Our Advocacy Corner
Stay informed and inspired by exploring more stories from our Advocacy Corner. From uplifting community visits to powerful policy insights and personal recovery journeys, these articles spotlight the people and progress shaping mental health advocacy today.
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Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
11,703
Total participants served
30+
active programs across the region
1,204
participants trained each year
9,180
participants supported through direct services
5,615
outreach contacts with people experiencing homelessness
1,319
engaged in community advocacy
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.
"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.
Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude
Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.