Cárdenas Introduces Bill to Support Mental Health Services for Students

Press Release

Today, Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-CA-29) introduced the Strengthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act. This bipartisan bill would authorize annual funding of $25 million for the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), through Fiscal Year 2025, to operate a technical assistance and training center to provide schools and school systems with mental health and substance use disorder support and services for students during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Original cosponsors of the bill include Earl Leroy "Buddy" Carter (R-GA-1), Joe Kennedy III (D-MA-4), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Grace Napolitano (D-CA-32), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), David Trone (D-MD-6), and John Joyce, MD (R-PA-13).

"The pandemic has exacerbated underlying problems our country must address," said Congressman Cárdenas. "As we tackle the coronavirus crisis that has brought our country to a standstill, we cannot ignore the major behavioral health crisis that ensued. My bill provides critical support to schools for mental health and substance use disorder services for students in need. I thank my bipartisan colleagues for coming together to support our schools and students."

"Students struggled to access the mental health care and substance use disorder treatment they need and deserve long before this pandemic began," said Congressman Kennedy. "As our society adjusts to the challenges of this new reality, we must ensure students receive critical support and services. With this legislation, we can strengthen behavioral health care in our schools and communities around the country."

"Mental health and substance use disorders are two important issues that must be taken seriously, especially with regards to our students' well-being. Too often schools are unequipped to handle these challenges, and we must do what we can to change that," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "We need to end the stigma surrounding mental health, provide better options to treat for substance use disorder, and give schools the resources to properly care for their students. I thank my colleagues for partnering with me on this bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to make sure our students have the best supports and behavioral health services possible."

"The number of people who are experiencing substance use disorder and mental health challenges during this pandemic have skyrocketed, and supporting them should be our top priority," said Congressman David Trone. "We are asking our students and educators to rise to new challenges in these unprecedented times, and Congress must stand behind them with this much-needed support to keep children and schools safe."

"As our nation recovers from the coronavirus crisis, it is imperative that we equip American children to succeed. Providing critical mental health and behavioral health resources to schools will offer much-needed support for our kids in Pennsylvania and around the country," said Dr. Joyce. "As we look to address the rise in opioid overdoses during this crisis, I'm proud to work on this bipartisan legislation to protect students, combat substance abuse, and offer tangible assistance to vulnerable children."

"It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I certainly believe that is true when it comes to ensuring early identification and appropriate intervention for children who are at risk or struggling with mental health or substance use issues," said Congressman Bilirakis. "Our bipartisan bill will help with data collection, research and sharing of most effective strategies for addressing this unmet need. When we know better, we can do better. Our children deserve the best possible care and treatment available and our bill will help us meet that goal. I urge my colleagues to join us in expediting passage of this important bill."

"For several months our Mental Health Caucus has called for action to address the mental health crisis unfolding across America at the hands of the global pandemic," said Rep. Napolitano. "COVID-19 has taken a heavy psychological toll on all Americans, especially young people, who may experience trauma and distress as the public health crisis rages on. Our bill would provide schools with increased resources and mental health support systems to more fully meet the needs of all of their students. I am very proud to join Congressman Cárdenas and all of my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation, and I urge its immediate consideration and adoption."

"The relentless global health pandemic has created greater demand for mental health treatment and services," stated National Council for Behavioral Health President and CEO, Chuck Ingoglia. "It has also shed light on the need for more investment to help people get the support they need. Children represent a particularly vulnerable population. Children are not immune to anxiety or depression, and the stress, fear and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic isn't limited to adults. This funding for SAMHSA to help schools develop and provide mental health services for students acknowledges the frightening reality that children also have suffered greatly from the toll the pandemic has taken on our schools and other institutions. This bipartisan bill is a strong reminder that the youngest among us also are the most vulnerable."

"The American Psychological Association supports this bipartisan legislation and applauds Representative Cárdenas' leadership in addressing the mental and emotional needs of students," said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of APA. "As the demand for behavioral health services in a school-based setting continues to grow, especially as a result of COVID-19, this bill would provide schools with critical support and technical assistance, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to help address these concerns."

"The American Association of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry joins in strong support of this bill," stated Gabrielle A. Carlson, MD, AACAP President. "Now, more than ever, our schools and teachers need informed assistance in meeting the mental health needs of students."

The Strengthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act has earned the support of the following organizations: American Association of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, American Association of Suicidology, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, American Society of Addiction Medicine, International OCD Foundation, The Jed Foundation, Mental Health America, National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Council for Behavioral Health, Postpartum Support International, Sandy Hook Promise, Trust for America's Health.

Last week, Congressman Cárdenas introduced the Crisis Counseling Act, which would automatically approve requests by any state, territory, and tribe for a Crisis Counseling and Training Program (CCP) after it had been granted a Stafford Act declaration. The legislation would remove bureaucratic hurdles that delayed critical support for communities as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the United States.

Congressman Cárdenas sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee Health Subcommittee.