Albany, N.Y. (WRGB) — A Super Bowl champion brought star power to the state Capitol Tuesday afternoon, as Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown urged New York lawmakers to expand access to mental health care by allowing patients to keep seeing their psychologists even when they travel out of state.
Brown advocated for legislation that would have New York join 43 other states in signing on to PSYPACT, an interstate agreement that allows psychologists to provide treatment across state lines. Under current law, psychologists in New York are barred from treating patients who travel out of state for work, vacation or college. In some circumstances, those restrictions can pose a threat to a patient’s safety and the success of their treatment.
As an NFL player who can play as many as nine away games each season, Brown highlighted the importance of removing obstacles tied to where a patient happens to be at a particular time. Brown also spoke about his personal mental health struggles.
Mental health is real. Mental health is serious. Mental health doesn’t care who you are. November 12, 2020 was my day and I’m thankful [to be here]. My fiancé is over there, I have a beautiful family, I have accomplished so much in my life, I’m a Super Bowl champion but I’m here. I have a beautiful family and I’m here because someone was there for me.-A.J. Brown (Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles)
Away from the mental health message, questions continue to swirl about Brown’s future on the field. Various reports have stated the Eagles will trade him after June 1, with the New England Patriots among the teams heavily linked to him.
When asked about his uncertain future, Brown offered no comment.