On April 2nd, 2025, Volunteers for the Pilot Mental Health Campaign and supporters will return to Washington, DC, for the second year in a row to advocate for mental health reform. This comes exactly one year after the Aviation Rulemaking Committee gave twenty-four recommendations to better Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances. As of now, ZERO of these twenty-four recommendations have been fully implemented.
Join us as we advocate for positive change to Mental Health in Aviation in support of the Mental Health in Aviation Act and Aviation Medication Transparency Act.
What:
PMHC's Advocacy Day will allow advocates for aviation mental health reform to take their message directly to congressional representatives. We'll be meeting with the offices of key decision-makers in Congress to help them understand the critical issues related to pilot mental health and what they can do legislatively to improve access to care for America's aviators.
Please plan travel to arrive no later than Tuesday, April 1, and leave no earlier than 5 PM on Wednesday, April 2. If you have other plans, please let us know as soon as possible.
In addition, there will be a fundraising dinner the evening of April 1st; more details to come.
The Details:
To ensure the success of this initiative, participants are expected to adhere to a set of professional standards both in conduct and appearance. This includes dressing in business professional attire, demonstrating respect and professionalism in all interactions, and being prepared to articulate the goals and objectives of PMHC in a clear, concise manner. A polished, professional appearance and demeanor will help convey the seriousness and importance of the mental health issues at hand.
In addition to professionalism, attendees are expected to actively participate in advocating for mental health awareness and policy reform. This may include sharing personal experiences, engaging in meaningful discussions with lawmakers, and effectively communicating the urgency of addressing mental health needs. Understanding the key issues—such as access to care, the FAA special issuance process, and reducing stigma—will be essential for any participant. The goal is to ensure that everyone can make a compelling case for the support of mental health initiatives and policies, representing the voices of those impacted by mental health challenges.
PMHC will be securing blocks of hotel rooms with group rates and will send out details on how to book in the coming weeks. Furthermore, all participants are required to attend a virtual volunteer training session prior to the event (recorded for those unable to attend scheduled events). This training will provide essential background on the campaign, equip volunteers with the knowledge needed for effective advocacy, and prepare them to confidently engage with policymakers.
Finally, fundraising is a key component of this campaign. While not mandatory, volunteers are strongly encouraged to contribute funds to support this event. A suggested donation of a penny per flight hour is recommended for participants and their supporters.
Thank you so much for working alongside PMHC to bring about aeromedical reform. We look forward to advocating with you in April!
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.