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Mental Health Advocacy: Bridges Not Barriers

With Dr. Randall Hagar

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Stories to Solutions

When Randall Hagar's 15-year-old son was diagnosed with schizophrenia, he found himself navigating a complex healthcare system as a single father with limited knowledge about severe mental illness. Rather than letting this challenge overwhelm him, Randall transformed his experience into a catalyst for systemic change, building upon his family's legacy of mental health advocacy.

Today, Randall serves as a legislative advocate, working to improve mental health care access and policy. His journey began at his mother's dinner table, where he first learned about mental health advocacy, but it wasn't until his son's diagnosis that his true calling emerged. Through his work with organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the California Psychiatric Association, he has helped shape landmark legislation, including California's mental health insurance parity bill.

What sets Randall's approach apart is his emphasis on relationship-building and positive engagement. Whether working with legislators, law enforcement, or healthcare providers, he believes in the power of personal connections and shared experiences to drive meaningful change.

Through his work, Randall demonstrates that advocacy isn't just about changing laws - it's about creating a more compassionate and understanding society where mental health care is accessible to all. As he puts it, "There's going to be a space to be an advocate." The key is to find your entry point and take that first step.

For those interested in getting involved, Randall welcomes connections through his email at empirical.policy@gmail.com. Whether you're a healthcare provider, family member, or concerned citizen, there's a place for you in the movement to improve mental health care access and understanding.

When Randall Hagar's 15-year-old son was diagnosed with schizophrenia, he found himself navigating a complex healthcare system as a single father with limited knowledge about severe mental illness. Rather than letting this challenge overwhelm him, Randall transformed his experience into a catalyst for systemic change, building upon his family's legacy of mental health advocacy.
Today, Randall serves as a legislative advocate, working to improve mental health care access and policy. His journey began at his mother's dinner table, where he first learned about mental health advocacy, but it wasn't until his son's diagnosis that his true calling emerged. Through his work with organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the California Psychiatric Association, he has helped shape landmark legislation, including California's mental health insurance parity bill.
What sets Randall's approach apart is his emphasis on relationship-building and positive engagement. Whether working with legislators, law enforcement, or healthcare providers, he believes in the power of personal connections and shared experiences to drive meaningful change.
Through his work, Randall demonstrates that advocacy isn't just about changing laws - it's about creating a more compassionate and understanding society where mental health care is accessible to all. As he puts it, "There's going to be a space to be an advocate." The key is to find your entry point and take that first step.
For those interested in getting involved, Randall welcomes connections through his email at empirical.policy@gmail.com. Whether you're a healthcare provider, family member, or concerned citizen, there's a place for you in the movement to improve mental health care access and understanding.
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Links to Solutions
Start Where You Are
Mental health advocacy doesn't require special credentials - it can begin with something as simple as thanking someone who wrote a good article about mental health or acknowledging a compassionate police officer. These small actions build relationships that can lead to broader change.
Personal Stories Drive Change
Sharing your experiences not only helps others feel less alone but also opens doors for policy discussions. As Randall discovered, "every third person" in the Capitol had a family member affected by mental illness - they just needed someone to start the conversation.
Build Bridges, Not Barriers
Instead of taking an adversarial approach, focus on building positive relationships across different sectors - from healthcare providers to religious institutions to school systems. These connections create a network of support that can be mobilized for systemic change.
Meet Our Guest
Randall Hagar
Randall Hagar is a seasoned legislative advocate and policy consultant specializing in mental health. He has been instrumental in shaping mental health policy and legislation in California, serving as a Legislative Advocate and Policy Consultant for the Psychiatric Physicians Alliance of California. His work is deeply influenced by personal experiences, including his family's struggles with mental illness. Randall has been a key figure in advocating for mental health reforms, such as Gov. Newsom's CARE Court plan, and has played a significant role in the passage of important legislation like Laura’s Law.
Connect to Randall Hagar
Email: empirical.policy@gmail.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-hagar-20797515/