The National Council Hill Day, typically held in early October (for example, October 7–8, 2025), is an advocacy event hosted by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. It brings together professionals, stakeholders, and advocates in behavioral and mental health to engage directly with federal policymakers and promote policy priorities.
History of National Council Hill Day
Hill Day is rooted in the tradition of “capitol hill advocacy days” where associations convene members to meet lawmakers and staff, share lived experiences, and push for legislative change. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing (sometimes called “the National Council”) adopted and expanded this model to focus on mental health, substance use, and behavioral health policy. 1
Over time, Hill Day became a signature program of the National Council, often combining a Public Policy Institute (training, briefings, preparation sessions) with direct visits to congressional offices on Capitol Hill. Through these visits, participants carry stories, data, and “asks” (policy proposals) to catalyze action in Congress.
Why is Hill Day important?
This event matters because policy decisions at the federal level dramatically shape access, funding, and regulation in mental health and substance use care. When advocates show up in person, it humanizes issues: the abstract becomes a face, a story, a community. Seeing advocates in person can shift perceptions in congressional offices more powerfully than letters or emails.
Also, Hill Day fosters alignment, capacity‑building, and collaboration. Attendees learn best practices in advocacy, strengthen their networks, and deepen understanding of the legislative process. These collective efforts increase the chance that meaningful mental health policies receive attention, funding, and momentum.
Here are a few reasons Hill Day is impactful:
- It brings real voices directly to policymakers
- It helps build advocacy skills and confidence
- It aligns national and local efforts around shared policy goals
- It elevates mental health and substance use issues in legislative agendas
- It strengthens the community of advocates supporting lasting change
How to Participate in Hill Day
If you or your organization works in behavioral health, Hill Day offers a meaningful chance to be part of national advocacy. First, you’d register for the event when announced—spaces for the Public Policy Institute (the training day) tend to be limited (e.g. capped at 400). In the days leading up, you’d receive briefings, talking points, policy materials, and guidance on meeting with elected officials.
During Hill Day, participants visit congressional offices, share personal or constituent stories, make specific “asks” (e.g. funding, legislation, regulatory changes), and follow up afterward to maintain relationships. Even if you can’t travel, there have been “Hill Day at Home” or virtual advocacy options in past years.
Here are some practical tips:
- Sign up early, especially for the training portion
- Study your Members of Congress (their priorities, committee roles)
- Prepare a concise, personal narrative to share
- Be respectful, clear, and focused in your “asks”
- Follow up after meetings with thank‑you notes or additional materials.
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