U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) on May 6 cosponsored a bipartisan bill that would reauthorize critical federal programs designed to support Americans’ mental health and address substance use disorders.
“There is a mental health crisis in America, and we all need to be asking the tough questions: Why are more people in despair and suffering from severe mental illness? Why are drug overdose deaths at record highs? And, how did school shutdowns and COVID-19 restrictions based on fear make our children feel more broken and alone?” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said.
Specifically, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022, H.R. 7666, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), would reauthorize key Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) programs.
“My colleagues and I on the Energy and Commerce Committee… are leading on strong, bipartisan solutions in the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act for communities to provide and support lifesaving care to people in need, especially by focusing resources to young Americans and those suffering from severe mental illness,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “I thank Chairman Pallone and my colleagues for their thoughtful and diligent work. It won’t end here. We must build on this and do everything we can to turn despair into hope for people and their families again.”
If enacted, H.R. 7666 would establish a Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office within SAMHSA and require the office to convene partners and provide technical assistance to enhance access to crisis care annually, according to a bill summary provided by the congresswoman.
Additionally, the bill would reauthorize several mental health and treatment and recovery services programs, as well as several grant programs; and require that self-funded, non-federal governmental plans comply with mental health parity laws, the summary says.
H.R. 7666 also would improve the integration of evidence-based behavioral healthcare into primary care settings for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, among numerous other provisions.
“I’m pleased Ranking Member Rodgers and I were able to come to an agreement on this much-needed package that includes many legislative provisions from our Democratic and Republican colleagues,” Rep. Pallone said. “I look forward to marking it up in the Health Subcommittee next week.”