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Infusing Science into Politics and Policy: The Importance of Legislators as an Audience in Mental Health Policy Dissemination Research

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Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Legislators (i.e., elected Senators and House Representatives at the federal- and state-level) are a critically important dissemination audience because they shape the architecture of the US mental health system through budgetary and regulatory decisions. In this Point of View, we argue that legislators are a neglected audience in mental health dissemination research. We synthesize relevant research, discuss its potential implications for dissemination efforts, identify challenges, and outline areas for future study.

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Author Contribution

JP conceptualized the manuscript and led the writing. RB and EP contributed to the conceptualization of the manuscript, reviewed, and revised drafts and revisions. All authors approved and are accountable for all aspects of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Jonathan Purtle.

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Purtle, J., Brownson, R.C. & Proctor, E.K. Infusing Science into Politics and Policy: The Importance of Legislators as an Audience in Mental Health Policy Dissemination Research. Adm Policy Ment Health 44, 160–163 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-016-0752-3

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