Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) recently enlisted actress Glenn Close to push for congressional support of the bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act, which was recently backed by the Senate Finance Committee.
Mental health advocates, veterans and law enforcement officials joined the legislators and Close, founder of a non-profit organization that strives to end discrimination against individuals with mental illnesses, at a recent press conference.
“Approximately one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder each year nationwide, according to the National Institute of Mental Health,” Blunt said. “We’ve got a model that works to solve these important problems, and passing this bipartisan provision out of committee is an important step forward. Now is the time for Congress to act.”
The bill would correct the fragmented mental health system by allowing community mental health centers to obtain the certified community behavioral health clinic designation.
The measure would also establish criteria for behavioral health clinics, including 24-hour crisis care, integration of substance abuse care and more support for families of those who suffer from mental illness.
“Mental health issues touch every family in some way,” Stabenow said. “Our bipartisan bill expands access and improves quality of care so people can get the treatment they need and live healthy, successful lives. We had a major victory last week, we’ve got tremendous momentum, and we’re going to keep working hard until this bill gets done.”
Close said the legislation would expand access to mental health care and improve the quality of treatment.