Senate passes mental health bill

The Senate Friday passed by unanimous consent the Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act (S. 1893). Sponsored by Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA), the bill reauthorizes federal programs to prevent suicide, help children recover from traumatic events, and improve mental health awareness for teachers and others. The AHA voiced support for the legislation in August as part of the Mental Health Liaison Group, a coalition of national organizations representing consumers, providers and others. “I urge the House to pass this legislation without delay so that we can offer crucial support to the nearly one in five American adults suffering from mental illness,” Alexander said.