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Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act

3/12/2024, 11:07 AM

Summary of Bill S 1773

Bill 118 s 1773, also known as the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address the stigma surrounding mental health issues in our society.

The bill aims to achieve this goal by implementing several key provisions. First, it calls for the creation of a national public awareness campaign to educate the public about mental health issues and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for these issues. This campaign would be funded by the federal government and would involve partnerships with mental health organizations and community groups.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve access to mental health services by increasing funding for mental health clinics and programs, particularly in underserved communities. It also includes provisions to expand mental health training for healthcare providers and law enforcement officers, in order to better equip them to respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Furthermore, the bill includes measures to protect the privacy and rights of individuals seeking mental health treatment. It prohibits discrimination based on mental health status and ensures that individuals have access to confidential and culturally competent care. Overall, the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act aims to promote a more supportive and understanding environment for individuals struggling with mental health issues. By increasing awareness, improving access to care, and protecting the rights of those seeking treatment, this bill seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and promote better mental health outcomes for all Americans.

Congressional Summary of S 1773

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 S 1773

Bill S 1773 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 31, 2023. Bill S 1773 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 31, 2023.  Bill S 1773's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of May 31, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1773

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1773

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 S 1773

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

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