NAMI Applauds Passage of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act

The bill, which was introduced by Reps. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) and Eddie Bernice Johnson(D-Texas), will improve mental health care for Americans.

"Today, 1 in 5 Americans have a mental health condition. With the right help, people can live well and thrive, but at least half of people with mental illness do not get the care they need," said NAMI Chief Executive Officer Mary Giliberti. 

"It takes leadership on all levels to improve the nation's mental health care system. We applaud the House Energy & Commerce Committee's passage of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act as a step in the right direction as we begin to address the many gaps in America's mental health system."

H.R. 2646 accommodates different perspectives on complex issues while taking important steps to improve mental health care. The bill will enhance crisis response services, provide grants to track inpatient and residential beds, promote early intervention and support integration of mental health, substance use and primary care.

Mental health conditions begin early with 75 percent beginning by age 24. The quicker children and young adults get help, the better the outcomes.

"We congratulate the House Energy & Commerce Committee members, Rep. Fred Upton(R-Mich.), the Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, and Ranking Member Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) for their significant efforts to craft a bipartisan bill that will improve mental health care in our country by refocusing programs, improving grants and removing federal barriers to care," Giliberti said.

About NAMI 

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

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