Fischer’s bipartisan bill improves mental health grant transparency

A bipartisan bill introduced on Aug. 6 by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) would establish an interactive online dashboard to allow the public to review information for federal grant funding related to mental health programs.

“Mental health is a crisis in this country, and the effects of the COVID pandemic have only made it worse. This is particularly true in rural areas where resources are often more limited,” Sen. Fischer said. “That is why it is more important than ever that the process for applying for mental health grants be as transparent as possible.”

Sen. Fischer sponsored the Achieving Thorough Transparency and Accessibility for Information Navigation (ATTAIN) on Mental Health Act, S. 4486, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) to create a user-friendly online dashboard that would allow applicants to review eligibility and status information for federal grant funding for mental health programs. 

If enacted, S. 4486 also would task the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with developing the online tool in a collaborative interagency effort, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Fischer’s office.

“The bipartisan ATTAIN Mental Health Act will help make sure schools, local governments, housing services, and other organizations are aware of the guidelines for federal mental health grant funding,” said Sen. Smith. “Ultimately, this will help make mental health care more accessible.”

S. 4486 has been referred to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee for consideration.