National Council for Behavioral Health praises legislation expanding mental health

President Barack Obama recently announced additional funding in his budget that will allow the Expand Excellence in Mental Health Act demonstration program to expand from eight to 14 states.

“This legislation is a critical step forward in making mental health and addiction care available to every American in need,” Linda Rosenberg, MSW, president and CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health, said in a press release. “The Expand Excellence in Mental Health Act will increase Americans’ access to lifesaving mental health and addiction care, while supporting providers with the resources to not only immediately help each individual who needs care, but to also coordinate their behavioral and physical health needs.”

Linda Rosenberg

The Expand Excellence in Mental Health Act calls for ensured funding for all 24 states awarded mental health planning grants through an initiative based on the Excellence in Mental Health Act, introduced by Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Roy Blunt, R-Miss. However, under current law, only eight states will receive funding.

The Excellence in Mental Health Act was introduced in February 2013 to bring mental health centers up to par with other health centers by improving quality standards and fully funding community services. Obama signed the bill into law in 2014.

“Every state that is working to transform its care delivery system deserves to be able to do so,” Rosenberg said in the release. “The National Council pledges to continue working with Senators Debbie Stabenow and Roy Blunt to ensure that all 24 states have the opportunity to implement Excellence Act resources.”