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Representatives Ron Barber (AZ-2), Diana DeGette (CO-1), Doris Matsui (CA-6), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) rolled out legislation Tuesday that would take a comprehensive approach to long-ignored mental health issues. The Strengthening Mental Health in Our Communities Act of 2014 renews a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by mental illness by maximizing access to and increasing the impact of community-based services, making new investments in prevention and early intervention of mental illness, and advancing research into mental health.

“This plan represents the future of mental health care in the United States,” the representatives said in a joint statement. “The challenges we face in closing the critical gap in mental health services can only be overcome by serious and sustained investments in existing programs that have shown to improve the lives of those afflicted with serious mental illness and robust research into new and innovative ways to treat and prevent mental illness. Those affected cannot be separated by party lines and our response must be equally nonpartisan.”

"We must do more to improve access to community-based services for individuals with mental illness. This is not a partisan issue. I am proud to introduce this legislation that will strengthen our mental health system – asking more from existing programs and better outcomes for individuals and families impacted by mental illness," said lead sponsor of the legislation, Congressman Ron Barber.

John Madigan, Vice President of Public Policy for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), welcomed the introduction of the legislation. “AFSP applauds the introduction of this milestone legislation that will truly strengthen access to mental health care in all of our communities across America. We urge all members of the House to work together to find a common ground so Americans can get the mental health services and programs that they need and deserve. We thank representatives Barber, DeGette, Matsui, Napolitano, and Tonko for moving this conversation forward,” said Madigan.

“The Strengthening Mental Health in Our Communities Act recognizes the important role of schools in providing needed behavioral and mental health services for children. This bill would not only increase access to both community and school-employed mental health professionals, it would enhance collaboration and integration of services.  Improving access to and effectiveness of services for prevention, early identification and intervention is critical to helping our children and youth thrive in school, and home, and in life,”said Dr. Stephen Brock, President-Elect of the National Association of School Psychologists.

A full description of programs and initiatives proposed by the Strengthening Mental Health in Our Communities Act of 2014 can be found at http://barber.house.gov/mental-health.

The Strengthening Mental Health in Our Communities Act of 2014 represents a new, inclusive and far-reaching approach to fighting mental illness. Among the provisions, the legislation would:

• Create a White House Office for Mental Health Policy that is responsible for developing and implementing a national strategy to combat mental health;
• Bolster mental health for veterans and active duty service members;
• Establish a Mental Health Advisory Board of individuals with mental illness, parents and guardians of individuals with mental illness, mental health professionals, and others;
• Strengthen and invest in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) programs;
• Improve Medicaid and Medicare mental health services and provide parity of mental health services;
• Develop the Behavioral Health Workforce, providing access to quality mental health care in communities nationwide.
• Enhance mental health research and coordination
• Provide grants for schools and communities to create comprehensive mental health programs;

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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