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Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act

2/5/2024, 2:30 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3680

Bill 118 HR 3680, also known as the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, aims to address the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and is currently under consideration by the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The main goal of the bill is to promote awareness and understanding of mental health issues, as well as to reduce the discrimination and stigma that individuals with mental health conditions often face. The bill includes provisions for funding mental health education and outreach programs, as well as initiatives to train healthcare providers and first responders on how to effectively support individuals with mental health issues.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve access to mental health services by expanding telehealth options and increasing funding for mental health treatment facilities. It also includes measures to strengthen mental health parity laws, which require insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health services as they do for physical health services. Overall, the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to address the stigma surrounding mental health issues and improve access to mental health services for all Americans. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, but has the potential to make a significant impact on mental health awareness and support in the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 3680

Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act

This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to undertake various activities to address mental and behavioral health issues among the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations.

Specifically, SAMHSA must develop and implement an outreach and education strategy to promote behavioral and mental health and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions and substance abuse among AANHPI populations.

Additionally, SAMHSA must study (1) mental health and substance use disorders among AANHPI youth, including the number of individuals who attempted suicide or died by suicide or drug overdose; and (2) strategies for increasing AANHPI representation in the behavioral and mental health workforce.

Current Status of Bill HR 3680

Bill HR 3680 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 25, 2023. Bill HR 3680 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 25, 2023.  Bill HR 3680's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of May 26, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3680

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
38
Democrat Cosponsors
38
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3680

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Alaska Natives and Hawaiians
- Child health
- Congressional oversight
- Government information and archives
- Government studies and investigations
- Health personnel
- Health promotion and preventive care
- Mental health
- Minority health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3680

Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act
Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a national outreach and education strategy and research to improve the behavioral and mental health of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander population, while addressing stigma within such population against behavioral and mental health treatment.

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