U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) recently introduced three bipartisan bills to increase access to mental healthcare and substance use disorder support services to Americans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“In central New York, we’re seeing the ongoing pandemic contribute to rising rates of mental illness and suicide, as well as substance use disorders and overdose deaths,” said Rep. Katko. “Our community is facing a crisis and we must devote the time, resources and attention to these issues.”
Rep. Katko and U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA) on Feb. 2 introduced the Mental Health Services for Students Act, H.R. 721, which would revise and extend projects relating to children and to provide access to school-based comprehensive mental health programs, according to the congressional record bill summary.
H.R. 721 would authorize $130 million in grant funds for schools to partner with local mental health professionals to establish comprehensive mental health services for students, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Katko’s office, which said that the proposal would educate the entire school community — from students and their families, to teachers, administrators, and support personnel — on the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness.
Also on Feb. 2, Rep. Katko signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Emergency Support for Substance Use Disorders Act, H.R. 706, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH), which would authorize grants for counties and community-based organizations that serve individuals with substance use disorders to address such disorders during COVID-19.
And Rep. Katko on Jan. 28 cosponsored the Coronavirus Mental Health and Addiction Assistance Act, H.R. 593, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) to establish the Coronavirus Mental Health and Addiction Assistance Network.
If enacted, H.R. 593 would create a $100 billion grant program to support local mental health and addiction treatment facilities, which could use the funds to help people manage mental health conditions and substance use disorders during the ongoing pandemic.
“My bills would work to expand treatment options in our region and ensure central New Yorkers of all ages have access to the support they need during these difficult times,” Rep. Katko said.