Congress is moving forward to reinstate legislation that protects at-risk youths suffering from mental health crises. The state of Texas is closely following the initiative as, like many states, there is a need for better resources that manage health issues involving nervousness, depression and melancholy. There’s evidence the conditions lead to a disturbing number of overdoses and suicides among the younger populace.
What’s happening in Washington
The U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee recently announced that it will revisit over 30 programs within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
These programs are set to end in September 2022 and Congress hopes to reauthorize and improve them. They specifically deal with substance abuse, psychological well-being and health care law. They entail protections for mental and behavioral well-being, prevention, training, disaster and care providers, workforce recruitment, coaching and retention efforts.
Congress isn’t alone
First Lady Jill Biden and actor Selena Gomez recently hosted a forum, hearing from advocates who asked for more help for young people. They wanted more reliable and acceptable mental health care resources.
The discussion took place on the heels of a Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention study that revealed isolation over the last few years has had a negative impact on the well-being of adolescents.
Lawmakers want to play a part
As mid-term elections get more coverage over the coming months, behavioral well-being is apparently a hot topic with lawmakers. They too are looking at ways to improve the federal authority’s response to healthy well-being and substance use.
Psychological well-being stakeholders are working alongside Congressional representatives. They are proposing options to close cracks inside the fragmented behavioral care system.