National Council Applauds Passage of Historic Excellence in Mental Health Act

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Senate today passed legislation that included $900 million to fund the bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act.  The legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week as part of the Medicare SGR Repeal bill, establishes a two year demonstration program in eight states to offer a broad range of mental health and substance use treatment services, including 24-hour crisis psychiatric services, while setting new standards for provider organizations.   

"This represents the largest single federal investment in community-based mental and substance use treatment in well over a generation," said Linda Rosenberg, President and CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health.  "After decades of devastating funding cuts, this represents a turning point in terms of federal support of community mental health services.  As many as 240,000 people will be able to receive critical behavioral health services as a result of Excellence Act funding. Much work remains to ensure quality mental health and substance use treatment services are available to all who need them, but today is a day for celebrating this historic moment.  And for applauding the bill's tireless bipartisan champions, Senators Stabenow (D-MI) and Blunt (R-MO) along with Representatives Matsui (D-CA) and Lance (R-NJ)."

"When people receive the quality mental health and substance use treatment they need, the benefits extend far beyond the individual – to their families, their professional colleagues and their community at large," said Rosenberg.  "We are all better off when quality mental health and substance use services are available."

The National Council for Behavioral Health has long been a champion of the Excellence Act, which expands access to evidenced-based community health care for children and adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses and addiction disorders.  The legislation will reduce high hospital emergency room utilization among persons living with behavioral health conditions while easing the burden on hard-pressed law enforcement agencies in urban and rural areas.  Additionally, the Excellence Act demonstration will assist the the young men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with service-connected mental disorders, including clinical depression and PTSD.

To arrange media interviews with Linda Rosenberg of the National Council for Behavioral Health, please contact: Amanda Deaver at 202-207-3631 or [email protected] 

The National Council for Behavioral Health is the unifying voice of America's community mental health and addictions treatment organizations. Together with our 2,000 member organizations, we serve our nation's most vulnerable citizens — the more than 8 million adults and children living with mental illnesses and addiction disorders. We are committed to ensuring all Americans have access to comprehensive, high-quality care that affords every opportunity for recovery and full participation in community life. The National Council pioneered Mental Health First Aid in the U.S. and has trained nearly 150,000 individuals to connect youth and adults in need to mental health and addictions care in their communities. Learn more at www.TheNationalCouncil.org.

Contact: Amanda Deaver 202-207-3631   
[email protected]  
Heather Cobb 202 684-7457 ext. 277  
[email protected]

SOURCE National Council for Behavioral Health