WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Gene Green (D-Houston) revealed a plan today that would dramatically improve mental health care for people enrolled in addiction treatment programs across the country.
“We often hear politicians talk about health care, but mental health doesn’t get as much attention,” Green said. “This bill will help shore up the relatively meager resources allocated to mental health treatment.”
The Community Mental Health Services Improvement Act would authorize increased funding for a collection of programs chosen for their effectiveness in treating substance abuse and mental illnesses.
- $64 million to provide substance abuse and mental health treatment together (called co-location) at community health facilities, resulting in efficient and integrated treatment
- $20 million to support service and infrastructure improvements for telemental health, which will improve treatment in medically-underserved areas
- $10 million to improve the National Health Information Infrastructure
The bill is supported by prominent mental health organizations, including the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and the National Association of Community Health Centers. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.