Lawmakers reintroduce bill supporting construction of mental health treatment facilities

May 08, 2025 - 03:36 PM
A patient and their counselor participate in a counseling session.

Reps. Jennifer McClellan, D-Va., and Don Bacon, R-Neb., and Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today reintroduced AHA-supported legislation addressing mental health and substance use disorder facility shortages. The Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act (H.R. 3266) would establish a new federal loan and loan guarantee program within the Department of Health and Human Services to build or renovate mental health or substance use disorder treatment facilities. At least a quarter of the funding would be reserved for pediatric- and adolescent-serving facilities. The bill would also prioritize facilities located in high-need, underserved or rural areas, and those capable of providing integrated care for patients with complex needs.
 

Related News Articles

Headline
CDC report details differences in substance use among high school students
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report highlights differences in substance use among U.S. high school students. The report, which combined data…
Headline
HHS clarifies when state Medicaid agencies can use patient SUD records to verify exemption from community engagement requirements
The Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights released new guidance on statutory and regulatory requirements under 42 CFR Part 2, which…
Headline
Webinar to discuss how hospitals are engaging young patients in behavioral healthcare
The AHA will host a webinar Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. ET, where behavioral health and pediatrics professionals will learn how two hospitals are engaging young…
Headline
HRSA awards nearly $90 million for addiction, recovery services in rural areas 
The Health Resources and Services Administration announced Sept. 25 that it awarded $89.3 million in grants to expand access to substance use disorder…
Headline
Nearly $250 million in SAMHSA grants awarded for behavioral health services
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Sept. 25 announced that it awarded $247.9 million in grants for services expanding access to…
Headline
CDC report finds health improvements in U.S. high school students
A report released Sept. 21 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found improvements in mental health and dietary habits among U.S. high school…