By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
While the U.S. faces an ongoing mental health crisis, several members of the Congressional Black Caucus have introduced legislation to combat it.
Credit: AP Photo/ Francis Chung
In April 2024, U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.-16) introduced the Access in Mental Health Act to strengthen the mental health workforce.
“As an educator for 20 years, I saw firsthand how the lack of mental health professionals and culturally responsive care impacted my students and their families,” Bowman told the AFRO. “Not only do we need more mental health professionals in our communities and schools, but we need more Black and Brown mental health professionals who are equipped to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed care.”
If enacted into law, the Access in Mental Health Act would provide grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to improve graduate programs that focus on mental health such as psychology, counseling, social work and psychiatry. The statute would also provide $10,000 grants per year to cover the cost of attendance for students who are pursuing graduate degrees in the mental health field.
“My would rectify the lack of diversity in the mental health workforce by providing grants to HBCUs…to create and expand programs and to support tuition costs,” said Bowman. “We’ve been facing a national mental health crisis over the last few years and Congress must begin to take action by strengthening our mental health workforce and investing in opportunities for young people from all communities.”
At this time, the New York congressman’s statute has only been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. However, given Bowman’s status as an outgoing Democratic lawmaker, it is unclear if and when the bill will be brought to the House floor for a vote.
U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), the first Black and openly LGBTQ+ senator, also introduced the Pride in Mental Health Act to Support LGBTQ+ Youth in Mar. 2024 to help combat the nation’s mental health crisis.
“Accessing mental health care and support has become increasingly difficult in nearly every state in the country,” Butler told reporters. “Barriers get even more difficult if you are a young person who lacks a supportive community or is fearful of being outed, harassed, or threatened.”
If passed, the statute would provide mental health and crisis intervention resources for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth through federal grants. In addition, the act would require lawmakers to provide a report on the mental health outcomes and care of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care and other federal social services programs.
Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a cosponsor of the Pride in Mental Health Act believes the legislation is the solution to the mental health crisis plaguing children and teens across the nation.
“Mental health care is health care and for some LGBTQ+ youth, receiving access to the mental health care they need can mean the difference between living in safety and dignity, and suffering alone through discrimination, bullying and even violence,” Smith told reporters.
The Minnesota senator added, “The data shows what many parents and educators see every day. An epidemic of students in classrooms dealing with anxiety, depression and other serious mental health conditions, with nowhere to turn.”
At this time, the bill has only been introduced in the U.S. Senate. It is unclear when it will be taken up for a vote.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) told reporters that this act is “a crucial step” towards breaking barriers to mental health care for the youth.
“It’s time to pass this bill…to build a more just future for all children and teens,” said Merkley.
In order for both bills to pass in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, they will need bipartisan support.
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