Dennis Freeman, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Cherokee Health Systems, testified on February 15 before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education to provide the committee with an overview of the country’s mental healthcare system.  The office of Sen. Roy Blunt (Missouri) invited Freeman; Sen. Lamar Alexander (Tennessee) is a majority member of the subcommittee.  

In addition to an overview of the mental health system in the United States, Freeman discussed the importance of increasing patient access to mental health services in primary care settings, especially for those living in inner cities and rural areas, and those without insurance coverage.  Freeman also explained the Integrated Care model that Cherokee Health Systems uses to achieve positive health outcomes for its patients.