Rep. Susie Lee and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Extend and Enhance Mental Health Training Program

Without Congressional Action, Critical Mental Health Program That Trains Teachers, First Responders to Recognize Youth Behavioral Health Disorders and Respond to Related Crises is Set to Expire

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Expanding Access to Mental Health Training Act, legislation to reauthorize and improve the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) Grants program.

This legislation would reauthorize and enhance the SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness Training Grants program, which is set to expire this year without congressional action. MHAT provides grant funding to states, localities, Tribes, and other nonprofits to train teachers, first responders, law enforcement officials, veterans, and others to help prevent mental and behavioral issues from escalating. The program helps equip those working with struggling individuals with the resources they need to prevent mental health crises, allowing them to connect those in need to proven, community-based mental health services.

"The pandemic laid bare Nevada's longstanding mental health crisis," said Rep. Susie Lee. "When someone is in crisis, acting quickly to get them the care and support they need can save their life. This legislation will help ensure that teachers and law enforcement have the training and resources they need to respond to those facing mental health challenges. This program is absolutely critical and that's why I'm introducing this legislation to expand and enhance it."

"Ensuring students have access to mental health resources is vital to their current and future success, along with that of their peers," said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. "Even in states with the greatest access to mental health services in America, nearly one in three youth are not receiving the mental health services they need. As a Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, I am proud to support the Expanding Access to Mental Health Training Act to help address this gap in mental health resources."

"The MHAT Grant has allowed us to offer free workshops and teach parents, mentors, teachers, coaches, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis," said Kim Young, CEO of The Children's Cabinet. "The Children's Cabinet supports, and urges, the reauthorization of the Mental Health Awareness Training Grants program as it provides critical training opportunities for people to be able to understand suicide and depression warning signs and make appropriate referrals. Investments must be made in prevention and early intervention, MHAT Grants have the ability to educate, create awareness and save lives."

"Nye Communities Coalition appreciates [these] efforts and support for the Mental Health Awareness Training Grant," said Stacy Smith, Nye Communities Coalition. "Nye Communities Coalition was a MHAT grantee when the pandemic started and this grant allowed us to ease the stress COVID put upon our community. This bill will provide the resources that communities need to help our children, families, adults, and seniors manage their emotional and mental health."

"CSN's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a critical part of our students' support network and emotional safety net," said Daniel Alvarado, Director of the Disability Resource Center, and CAPS, College of Southern Nevada. "CAPS works closely with students, faculty, and staff to put systems, programs, and policies in place to create a culture of caring that protects students' mental health and builds life skills, thus making it more likely for students to seek help and connect with CAPS promptly. Receiving funds to provide Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training across the campus community has been impactful in changing behaviors—from a culture of silence to a culture of awareness. The continual support of funds will allow us to create a culture of caring grounded in more profound understanding and reduced shame and secrecy by providing ongoing MHFA training."

Rep. Lee has long been an advocate for enhanced mental health resources for Nevadans. Her legislation, the Virtual Peer Support Act, which would boost the capacity and accessibility of mental health support programs, was passed out of the House earlier this year on a bipartisan vote as part of H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022.

This legislation is supported by the following organizations:
• College of Southern Nevada
• Nye Communities Coalition
• The Children's Cabinet

You can read more about the Expanding Access to Mental Health Training Act here.

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