After several years of advocacy, led by APA Services and several key coalition partners, Representatives August Pfluger (R–Texas), John Joyce (R–Pennsylvania), Kathy Castor (D–Florida), and John Sarbanes (D–Maryland)—all members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee—introduced the bipartisan Early Action and Responsiveness Lifts Youth (EARLY) Minds Act (H.R. 7808opens in new window). The bill would, for the first time, allow up to 5% of Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) funding to be used for prevention and early intervention services. As currently authorized, the MHBG can be used only for adults with serious mental illness or children with serious emotional disturbance. If enacted, this change would further advance APA’s population health approach to mental health care.
In a press release from Pfluger’s officeopens in new window, APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, said: “The American Psychological Association applauds Representatives Pfluger, Castor, Joyce and Sarbanes for introducing the bipartisan early Minds Act, which will help expand quality, evidence-based mental health prevention and early intervention services to all communities. Intervening before the onset of mental illness is a cornerstone of a population health approach to treatment. Allowing the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant to be used for prevention and early intervention is critical for ensuring that more people, including the very youngest, do not develop mental health conditions and can lead healthy, productive and fulfilled lives.”
For more information, contact Kenneth Polishchuk.
