Hirono, Padilla Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Mental Health Care

WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) led Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing thePursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, legislation that addresses the mental health crisis facing our youth through funding to support research, improves the pipeline of culturally competent providers, builds outreach programs that reduce stigma, and develops a training program for providers to effectively manage disparities. This legislation would authorize $995 million in grants and other funding to support research and improve the quality and accessibility of mental healthcare. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).
“While mental health challenges affect us all, communities of color are often disproportionately impacted and lack access to the resources needed to overcome these challenges,”said Senator Hirono.“By authorizing funding to support clinical research, establish a national education and outreach strategy to reduce mental health stigma, and develop culturally-competent training for primary care providers, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act will help to improve access to mental health care for minorities. I am proud to lead the introduction of this critical bill with Congresswoman Watson Coleman and will continue working to ensure that every community can access the mental health care they need and deserve.”
ThePursuing Equity in Mental Health Actwould address the mental health crisis by:
The full text of the legislation is availablehere.
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