On December 10th, Vice President Biden reinforced the Obama Administration’s plan to improve access to mental health care by announcing $100 million will be dedicated to increasing access to mental health services and improving mental health facilities. Over the past years, the Administration has worked to diminish mental health stigma with nationwide discussions. Less than a month ago, the Mental Health Parity Addiction and Equity Act implementation ruling was released, which will help to ensure that millions of mental health consumers have nondiscriminatory access to mental health care.
Just Announced- The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will issue $50 million in grants to help build and improve Community Health Centers for individuals living with a mental illness or an addiction. Community Health Centers can use the funds to hire qualified mental health professionals or add/increase behavioral health services.
One of the challenges in rural areas is making sure resources are easily accessible. The Department of Agriculture will also finance $50 million to construct, expand, and improve mental health facilities in rural settings in the next three years. Funds can be used for innovative tools like telemedicine, to increase access to mental health services at schools, community centers, and other community-based settings.
President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2014 proposes the allocation of an additional $130 million to break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing help. This funding is dependent upon Congress’s passage of the 2014 budget. This new initiative will allow teachers to be trained in recognizing signs of mental illness and to refer students to appropriate services. The monies will support the training of mental health professionals and give grants to states that implement new strategies to help people ages 16 to 25 with behavioral health issues.
VA Governor McDonnell Push for MH Funding & Accessibility
The same day VP Biden announced the increase in funding for safer communities, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell promised he would add more than $38 million towards mental health services for the 2-year budget. Gov. McDonnell will be presenting the budget to the General Assembly next week. Funds would be used for crisis response, expanded outpatient services and opening additional beds at a state psychiatric facility. Plans were put into effect after the incident with Senator Creigh Deeds and his son. The governor also hopes to extend hours for emergency custody orders and temporary detention order.