September 29, 2023

New Dem Health Care, Substance Use, and Mental Health Task Force Releases Endorsement Slate of Bills

As National Recovery Month Comes to a Close, New Dems are Calling for Urgent Action to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Today, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Health Care, Substance Use, and Mental Health Task Force endorsed 21 bills led or co-led by New Dem Members amid ongoing work in the House to advance legislation addressing mental health and substance use disorders. This includes efforts to reauthorize the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act of 2018, of which several provisions are set to expire at the end of the month. New Democrat Coalition Chair Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) is the co-lead of this critical reauthorization legislation. As House Republicans push the government toward a shutdown this weekend, it’s critical the federal government continues to support our communities tackling these devastating and urgent public health crises.

These 21 bills, the vast majority of which are bipartisan, will build on the Coalition’s ongoing efforts to address mental health and substance use disorders. These endorsed bills will invest in and expand critical initiatives, including:   

  1. Providing Enhanced and Expanded Access to Mental Health and Support Services 

  2. Preventing Substance Misuse and Overdose

  3. Bolstering Health Care Access and Equity 

  4. Improving Support and Training for First Responders and Health Care Workers 

  5. Strengthening Enforcement of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefit Coverage 

NDC Health Care, Substance Use, and Mental Health Task Force Chair Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Vice Chairs Yadira Caraveo (CO-08) and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement on the endorsement: 

“The twin mental health and substance use crises have impacted communities in every corner of the country. This slate of bills underscores our Coalition’s commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access and robust support services, particularly for vulnerable populations like our youth, first responders, and those in underserved communities. 

“New Dems will continue working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle and with stakeholders to confront the pressing challenges of mental health disparities, the opioid crisis, and healthcare accessibility. We are committed to securing a future where every American has access to the tools they need to live a healthier life unburdened by these challenges.”

You can read more about the endorsed legislation here. 

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