Comprehensive Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program Act Expand to the Senate
The Comprehensive Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program Act (H.R.3549 and Senate number TBD) introduced by Rep. David Trone (D-MD) this spring has recently found a companion supporter, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), who has agreed to introduce the bill in the Senate! This NABITA-endorsed legislation would fund pilot programs in primary and secondary schools that will allow them to establish and support comprehensive, evidence-based, trauma-informed, mental and behavioral health prevention and intervention programs. These programs will help schools mitigate current mental health issues while simultaneously preventing delayed manifestations of these issues. If enacted, the bill would provide opportunities for K-12 schools to apply for a new set of grants they could use to directly fund BITs in their schools. Currently, the Comprehensive Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program Act is in the early stages of the legislative cycle, with Rep. Trone (D-MD) looking to build support in the House and Sen. Padilla (D-CA) working to find a Republican co-lead. This provides NABITA and our members the opportunity to help build support for this bill from the ground up, while also serving as a valuable external partner who can offer informed advice to members of Congress about why they should support this act!
Support the BIG Act
As a friendly reminder, NABITA is still encouraging members to reach out to their home state senators and ask that they support the BIG Act, S. 1383. Your voice matters to members of Congress and can make a real difference! For your convenience, NABITA has created a member activation page with a sample email draft and all the information you need to reach out to your senator.