On April 15, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano, D-Calif., introduced H.R. 2529, the Mental Health for Latinos Act, directing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop and implement an outreach and education strategy to promote behavioral and mental health among Hispanic and Latino populations. “The American Psychological Association supports this legislation and commends Congresswoman Napolitano for working to reduce barriers associated with mental health service utilization within the Hispanic population,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD. “Representative Napolitano clearly understands the mental health needs of Latino communities. This bill emphasizes the importance of evidence-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate treatments, which APA believes are essential for all communities.”
If enacted, the bill authorizes an additional $1 million for SAMHSA. APA worked closely with Napolitano’s office in crafting the legislation and has pledged to garner broad support for the bill. Read a press release on the legislation from Napolitano’s office.
For more information, contact Leo Rennie.