Turf Wars on Mental Health

I thought I’d seen it all. I thought that nothing could ever surprise me again. But today I was proven wrong. Here we have two groups supporting pilots. Pilots for HIMS Reform (P4HR) and the Pilot Mental Health Campaign.

One would think these two groups would be working together. Why? Because Pilots for HIMS Reform is trying to fix the HIMS program. One of the issues with this program, in addition to negligence with some of the doctors, is that the program itself doesn’t address mental health. Many people will reach for a bottle when something is bothering them, or living a life of dysfunction that they don’t know how to deal with. A pilot with a broken marriage, challenging schedules, or dealing with life challenges of any sort often reach for the bottle.

Many people begin drinking as a source of self medication. In the HIMS program, they take away the crutch without addressing the mental health aspect of what drove the person to drink. These two groups should have a very close relationship.

However, “On Tuesday, P4HR was informed that we were no longer welcome to attend the Pilots Mental Health Campaign’s DC Advocacy Day 2026. What followed were a series of conversations that revealed uncomfortable truths about who is — and who is not — considered acceptable within certain “mental health advocacy” spaces.” You can read the full story here: When “Mental Health Advocacy” Draws a Line in the Sand

Executive Director Chris Finlayson, called two of the representatives and un-invited them to participate. I emailed Chris this morning and asked why they were uninvited. I’ve received no response. Hopefully he’ll respond here for everyone.

I now question the huge flag, suddenly flying over “Pilot Mental Health” that was never there before. Pay is higher. Working conditions are better. Time is more available. Why the current issue? Has mental health become a manufactured marketing campaign? Because if there is an issue, then the very people with problems are probably hitting the bottle and self-medicating. They need mental health assistance.

Chris Finlayson should be welcoming the Pilots for HIMS reform to the Pilots Mental Health Campaign’s DC Advocacy Day 2026, not excluding them. Open communications solve problems. I’m shaking my head at the authenticity of the mental health group, because of this denial.

The truth is, those who do in fact have mental health issues will more than likely drink, and could become part of the HIMS program. They need an avenue to deal with the core problem not just removing the crutch. I’m uncertain how many people know, but the head of Delta’s HIMS program, Warren Mowry, committed suicide after he retired. He was never taught how to manage his mental health issues beyond the program.

This is why these programs need to be connected, and the very least share a forum of open communication.

Please feel free to email Chris Finlayson if you believe the P4HR should be allowed to attend. He publicized his email on the website, and therefore I believe he is welcome to comments and encourages emails. chris​@pmhc.org