Dear Colleagues,

Legislation entitled, the “Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act” has been introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.  The “Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act” comprehensively addresses the mental and behavioral health needs of students in college and university settings, as well as raises awareness and promotes dialogue and coordination at the federal level on the issue of mental and behavioral health on campus.

The Senate Bill (S. 682) was introduced on March 24th by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), and as of June 30th current Senate co-sponsors include: Senators Susan Collins (R-ME),  John Kerry (D-MA), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Carl Levin (D-MI), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) Charles Schumer (D-NY) Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The House Bill (HR 1704) was introduced March 25th by Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).  Current co-sponsors include: Representatives Bill Foster (D-IL), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Joe Sestak (D-PA).

This legislation (S. 682 and HR 1704) would amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a competitive grant program designed to increase access to a range of mental and behavioral health services for students including a focus on prevention, identification and treatment of students in college and university settings.

More specifically, the legislation allows for funds under this program to be used to provide mental and behavioral health services to students; provide outreach services to notify students about available services; education for families, faculty, staff and peers to increase awareness about mental and behavioral health issues; support student groups that seek to educate and reduce stigma; employ appropriately trained staff; expand mental health training through internship, post-doctorate and residency programs; develop and support evidence based practice and emerging best practice and evaluate and disseminate best practices to other colleges and universities.  Further, it call for a targeted public education campaign focused on mental and behavioral health on college campuses.  Finally, it establishes a College Campus Task Force, made up of representatives from relevant federal agencies to discuss mental and behavioral health concerns on college and university campuses.  It is important legislation that will complement the Campus Suicide Prevention program authorized under the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act of 2004.

Taking Action is Quick & Easy:  All you will need to do is make a brief phone call to both your Senators and your House Representative.  Your message will urge your Senators to co-sponsor S. 682 and your Representative to co-sponsor HR 1704, the “Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act.”  If they are already a co-sponsor, you can call and thank them for their leadership and support of this legislation.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION!

Thank you so much for your help.  If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Smulson.