Loading....
Urge Your Members of Congress to Support Increased Appropriations for Important Mental Health Initiatives!
Our country is facing a mental health crisis for both youth and adults that is rapidly increasing the demand for mental health care. Mental Health America has identified several priority federal programs that need enhanced funding to properly address this growing crisis.
Please join us in asking Congress to support increased funding for the following programs:
$1.26 billion for the Mental Health Block Grant
This block grant helps states provide mental health services to adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbance, and can also be used for services that are not covered by insurance, such as crisis management, intensive in-home services, early psychosis care, and supported education and employment services.
$981.9 million for the 988 Lifeline and Behavioral Health Crisis Services
$255.3 million increase for the Lifeline and $225 million for education campaign
In July 2022, the Lifeline transitioned to the 3-digit dialing code (988) which led to an increase in call, chat, and text volume. That said, many are still unaware that the Lifeline exists or are unsure of what it offers. Additional funds are needed to support the increased use of 988 and to promote a more widespread understanding of its purpose.
$17.5 million for the Adverse Childhood Experiences Program within CDC
$17.5 million for the overall program, including $2.5 million for the behavioral health coordinating unit
This funding would enable CDC to develop a national strategy and goals to improve adolescent mental health, including linkages between adolescent mental health and substance use and overdose, adverse childhood experiences, suicide, and other topics that impact mental wellbeing.
Fund youth peer support research at NIMH
Include report language in the FY 2025 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill specifying youth peer support as a research priority
NIMH should prioritize research in youth peer support and should develop structured ways to regularly hear from young people to inform its future research priorities.
Urge Your Members of Congress to Invest in Sustainable Funding for Mental Health in FY 2024
MHA affiliates are meeting with congressional offices on Wednesday, March 8th, to elevate the needs of individuals on the ground and request funding increases for states and for federal programs that promote mental health and crisis response. We are also seeking additional coverage of peer specialists in Medicare.
Last year, we saw unprecedented investment in mental health programs and services by Congress. But, many officials think they are done. Help us make them understand that one-time funding just won’t cut it.
As our country faces continued impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we ask you to send a letter to your elected officials in support of: prevention and early intervention in the Mental Health Block Grant, youth-focused initiatives at the CDC, peer support coverage in Medicare, and 988 operations and education.
Please take action now!
Sorry, we're not targeting any representatives in your district. But, you can still help!
Consider sharing this action alert to your social media accounts to spread the word.
Other ways to help!
Help us mobilize our grassroots advocates with a donation so we can continue to assure that our legislators prioritize mental health.
Other ways to help!
Help us mobilize our grassroots advocates with a donation so we can continue to assure that our legislators prioritize mental health.