There is a mental health crisis in the US and its been recently discussed as the shadow pandemic that became evident as more individuals had to isolate and physically distance from loved ones to avoid the spread of Covid19.  In this episode we speak with Dr. Alexander Salerno, founder of the Urban Healthcare Initiative Program and Director of the Community Health Outreach Program in New Jersey and Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.  Our conversation looked at the magnitude of the challenges anyone suffering with mental illness can encounter in finding the right care in what can only be described as a fragmented mental health system.  We looked at how a unique program of integrated care– a place where physical and mental health needs can be addressed– is building on known best practices to address complex care needs for those experiencing mental illness. We also talked about the importance of sharing knowledge about Mental Health First Aid among informal and formal support systems that individuals may access.  As we think about any effort to advance health equity, these conversations about access to mental health services need to take center stage now more than ever.