WASHINGTON, D.C.—Delaware House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst was named co-chair of the nationwide State Legislative Mental Health Caucus on Monday.

The Caucus was launched by Inseparable, a national nonprofit organization working to improve mental health policy across the country, and allows legislators to keep up with the latest legislative trends in mental health, get access to experts in the field and receive timely updates.

The State Legislative Mental Health Caucus is composed of 42 state legislators from 20 states, including 32 Democrats and 10 Republicans. The Caucus is co-chaired by Sen. Vin Gopal, D-N.J., Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-Utah, Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Texas, and House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear.

“Increasing access to mental health care has never been more urgent,” said Inseparable Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy Angela Kimball. “States are where there is tremendous potential for change, and that’s why we are launching this caucus. Together, we can help legislators benefit from the incredible work being done by their peers in states like Utah, Delaware, Texas, and New Jersey, and provide legislators in every state the tools they need to advance strong mental health policies for their states.”

"There truly is no health without mental health,” Rep. Longhurst said. “That’s why I’ve worked so hard to pass transformational measures that will improve social and emotional behavioral health here in Delaware, and why I’m looking forward to serving as co-chair of the new Mental Health Caucus.”

In addition to Rep. Longhurst, Sen. Nicole Poore, D-New Castle, and Sen. Laura Sturgeon, D-Woodbrook, are inaugural State Legislative Mental Health Caucus members.