National associations show support for the Strengthening Mental Health in Our Communities Act of 2014

The National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD) and the National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH) have commended Representative Ron Barber of Arizona, Representative Grace Napolitano of California, Representative Diana DeGette of Colorado, Representative Paul Tonko of New York, and other key members of the House of Representatives upon the introduction of the Strengthening Mental Health in Our Communities Act of 2014. According to the legislative summary, the legislation supports critical mental health programs, makes new investments in prevention and early intervention, and works to advance mental illness research.

“This Act will promote recovery-oriented, trauma-informed mental healthcare for all Americans,” according to Ron Manderscheid, executive director of NACBHDD. “And, very importantly, it will create a much-needed new White House Office of Mental Health Policy to foster essential change and to coordinate mental health programs and budgets across all branches of the federal government.”

He continued, “We look forward to working with these House Members to enact a Mental Health Bill that will benefit all Americans and will begin to fill significant gaps in our care system, including the need for expanded peer support services and better services in rural communities.”