Davids Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Renew Mental Health Programs

Statement

Bipartisan bill reauthorizes 8 proven-effective federal programs
Today, Representative Sharice Davids introduced bipartisan legislation to renew federal mental health grant programs for health centers, schools, and law enforcement. The REACHING Improved Mental Health Outcomes for Patients Act is led by Representatives Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Angie Craig (D-MN) along with Davids and was the subject of today's House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing.

This legislation would reauthorize 8 programs through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that are proven to be effective. Those programs include grants to help communities improve suicide prevention strategies, integrate mental health into primary care, and train school personnel and first responders to identify symptoms of mental health disorders.

"Mental health is health, and especially after the difficulties of the pandemic, it's critical that we continue to treat it as such," said Davids. "These programs have helped create healthy, resilient communities in Kansas and across the country, from helping first responders identify mental health symptoms to improving suicide prevention strategies for veterans and young folks. I'm glad to work across the aisle to continue moving forward on mental health."

Kansas has benefitted from several of these programs, including the Zero Suicide program, which helps train over 4,500 mental and behavioral health professionals across the state who reach over 140,000 Kansans each year.

"The Zero Suicide program is essential to improving suicide care in our state," Secretary Janet Stanek, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said. "Between 2001 and 2020, there was a 65% increase in suicides. Zero Suicide transforms how health systems care for people with suicidal thoughts and urges, ultimately saving lives. The renewal of the grant program will allow our state to continue the great work that has been done to help Kansans during their most vulnerable moments."

Specifically, the programs include:

Strengthening community crisis response and providing community partners like school personnel, first responders, and veterans with training to better recognize signs and symptoms of mental disorders.
Integrating mental health services into primary health care systems which has been shown to improve patient outcomes and funding treatment, rehabilitation, and support services for patients with severe mental illness.
Researching new, effective health care models through the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory.
Improving suicide intervention and prevention strategies including the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the Zero Suicide grant programs.

"Many Americans struggle with a mental health-related affliction, and indicators suggest the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated these difficulties," said Rep. Morgan Griffith. "Congress should prioritize reauthorizing and improving programs that provide mental health care. Our bipartisan bill, the REACHING Improved Mental Health Outcomes for Patients Act, would help meet this challenge and offer resources needed to support those grappling with mental health-related difficulties."

"We are only just beginning to understand the dire psychological impacts brought on by the pandemic, but one thing is clear: our friends and families need access to care now more than ever. I am honored to join my colleagues in supporting the reauthorization of critical programs to ensure that mental health resources continue to reach individuals who need them most. I am also confident that the improvement in the Crisis Care program will allow policy makers to better incorporate the needs of law enforcement. I strongly urge my colleagues to avoid delay and pass this important legislation," said Rep. Claudia Tenney.

Davids has focused on improving mental health care since taking office. She has helped secure funding for mental health programs in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, and has advocated for stronger mental health supports in schools. She also helped get grant funding to local police departments to hire more behavioral health specialists to the force, including the Overland Park Police Department's new Crisis Action Team. Last week, she introduced bipartisan legislation to improve opioid misuse prevention among student athletes, who are more often exposed to prescription opioids due to sports-related injuries.

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