Stopping the Mental Health Pandemic Act

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States, political subdivisions of States, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, community-based entities, and primary care and behavioral health organizations to address behavioral health needs caused by the public health emergency declared with respect to COVID–19. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Stopping the Mental Health Pandemic Act 2. Grants to support increased behavioral health needs due to COVID–19 (a) In general The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use, shall award grants to States, political subdivisions of States, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, community-based entities, and primary care and behavioral health organizations to address behavioral health needs caused by the public health emergency declared pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247d (b) Use of funds An entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) may use funds received through such grant to— (1) increase behavioral health treatment and prevention capacity, including to— (A) promote coordination among local entities; (B) train the behavioral health workforce, relevant stakeholders, and community members; (C) upgrade technology to support effective delivery of health care services through telehealth modalities, including the purchase of telehealth equipment; (D) purchase medical supplies and equipment for behavioral health treatment entities, providers, and patients; (E) address and support surge capacity for behavioral health needs (such as through mobile units), including the purchasing of supplies and equipment; (F) promote collaboration between primary care and mental health providers; and (G) cover overhead costs, including rent and utility costs; and (2) support or enhance behavioral health services, including— (A) emergency crisis intervention, including mobile crisis units, 24/7 crisis call centers, and medically staffed crisis stabilization programs; (B) screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment; (C) mental health awareness trainings; (D) evidence-based suicide prevention; (E) evidence-based integrated care models; (F) community recovery and peer supports; (G) outreach to underserved and minority communities; and (H) support for front line health care workers. (c) Priority The Secretary shall give priority to applicants that are— (1) culturally specific organizations, Tribal behavioral health and substance use disorder providers, or organizations that are intentional about serving populations where COVID–19 has had the most impact; or (2) proposing to serve areas with a high number of COVID–19 cases. (d) Evaluation An entity that receives a grant under this section shall prepare and submit an evaluation to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, including— (1) an evaluation of activities carried out with funds received through the grant; and (2) a process and outcome evaluation. (e) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 and 2022, to remain available until expended.

Summary: Stopping the Mental Health Pandemic Act This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to award grants to states, tribal nations, local governments, behavioral health and primary care providers, and community organizations to support behavioral health treatment and services during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.