Seeking to collaborate on solutions to mental health challenges and reduce stigma, U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced the launch of a bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus this week.
The mission statement of the caucus states it aims to improve prevention and early intervention efforts for mental healthcare, expand the country’s mental health professional workforce, enhance the nation’s crisis response services, and increase access to evidence-based mental health treatment for all Americans.
U.S. Sens. Tillis and Ernst were joined by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) in announcing the new caucus.
Sen. Tillis noted the country is experiencing a mental health crisis that is impacting people of all ages. “That is why I have worked on a bipartisan basis to expand access to evidence-based mental health care for all Americans, including the creation of the 988 Suicide Hotline, to writing and passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that marked the largest investment in community-based mental health and substance use care in American history,” Sen. Tillis said.
In recent years, Congress has worked together to implement critical mental health services, including through establishing the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, permanently expanding the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic demonstration program, expanding access to suicide prevention programs for veterans, and expanding mental health support in K-12 school settings. The lawmakers said the Senate Mental Health Caucus will work to ensure those investments are effective.
“I’m honored to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health so folks can receive the support they deserve,” said Sen. Ernst. “Together, we will work to improve care for mental health issues on behalf of our Iowa veterans, farmers, and families and improve the health of all Americans.”
U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are also members of the caucus.