Policy Tracker
As Lame Duck Session Nears, New Mental Health Legislation, Funding Still Possible
At the end of a Congressional session that has focused more on mental health issues – and passed more funding for behavioral health – than any Congress in history, could further substantive legislation still emerge? The answer, as always these days, is maybe.
Colorado Candidates Debate in First-Ever Senate Forum Focused Solely on Mental Health
In a sign of the importance of mental health issues, Senator Michael Bennet and challenger Joe O’Dea took part in the first-ever Senate candidates’ forum focused solely on mental health. The candidates clashed on spending but agreed on the need to address the youth mental health crisis, to create parity…
John Fetterman, JB Pritzker, Daniel Thatcher among Candidates of Both Parties Pledging to Boost Mental Health Policies
More than 330 elected officials and political candidates have pledged to make mental health a priority in their platform just weeks before the midterm elections.
Colorado Senate Candidates Michael Bennett, Joe O’Dea to Take Part in Mental Health Forum Cosponsored by MindSite News
Mental health is becoming a political issue – and that’s a good thing. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Colorado U.S. Senate candidates Michael Bennett and Joe O’Dea will discuss mental health issues in a campaign forum.
New Poll Shows Strong Support for Non-Police Crisis Response
Over the past two years, mobile crisis response units have transformed from theoretical idea to functioning program in many cities. A new national Safer Cities survey shows widespread public support for these programs.
CARE Court: Can California counties make it work?
In March, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a controversial proposal to compel people with serious mental health issues into care and housing. Mental health advocates, mayors and family members heralded the plan as a visionary move. Some county officials say they were stunned.
Abortion Denials Can Cause Mental Health Problems for Mothers and Children: ‘It’s a Burden They Both Carry Forever’
Hours after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overruled women’s civil rights to abortion, clinics began turning away patients who were seeking abortions. The overall effect of the ban on her clients is fear, said Rebecca Jones, a licensed counselor in San Antonio. “It’s terror of being oppressed and marginalized. It’s hopelessness,…
Beltway Update: Bipartisan Gun Violence Package – with Big Money for Mental Health – Passes the Senate
It’s been years since any major gun control or mental health reforms have come out of Congress. But on Thursday, a gun-violence prevention package with $15 million in mental health funding was passed by the Senate on a 65-33 vote. The bill will be taken up by the House of…
What They’re Saying: Mental Health Advocates on the Bipartisan Gun Violence Package
On Jan. 21, a bipartisan group of Senators announced the details of a gun violence legislative package that also commits almost $15 billion over the coming years to funding mental health services. Leading mental health advocates are praising the proposed legislation. Here’s a sample of their reactions:
Beltway Update: As Midterms Loom, Urgency to Do Something on Mental Health Brings Opportunity
The summer before midterm elections, little usually gets done in Congress. But this year, action is possible on mental health. Will anything actually get done?
California to funnel billions into mental health overhaul aimed at youth
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has allocated $4.4 billion in one-time funds to create a statewide Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. The “unprecedented” funding aims to create a sweeping transformation of the children’s mental health system. The bulk of the money has yet to be distributed, but efforts to…
New Federal Bill Would Boost Funding for 988 Mental Health Crisis Line
New federal legislation would boost funding for the new 988 emergency line that is slated to go into effect in July. “If we had a 988 line to call on June 2, 2019, it might have saved Mile’s life,” said Taun Hall, the mother of Miles Hall, who was killed by…
Biden Signs New Funding Bill, Boosting Money for Mental Health
Almost halfway into the current fiscal year, President Joe Biden finally signed an appropriations bill that will fully fund the government for the rest of the year – and that contains substantial increases in mental health funding.
Beltway Update: Historic Congressional Focus on Mental Health
Mental health care and substance use may finally have achieved parity with primary care and specialty medicine – at least in terms of congressional interest. In February alone, there have been five mental and behavioral health hearings between the four committees with jurisdiction over health. Those who have been tracking…
Congressional hearing challenges use of physical punishment, restraints in schools
Child advocates told members of a Congressional subcommittee that federal legislation is needed to protect students from “brutal” forms of harsh or physical punishment including paddling, seclusion and restraint.
