CHA Endorses Bipartisan Health Care Capacity for Pediatric Mental Health Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), representing 220 children’s hospitals across the country, announces strong support for S. 4472, Health Care Capacity for Pediatric Mental Health Act of 2022, introduced today by Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Bill Cassidy, R-La. This bipartisan legislation takes concrete steps to support pediatric behavioral health care integration and coordination, workforce training, and increases investments in the pediatric behavioral health infrastructure.
“The bipartisan bill provides much-needed tailored investment in the nation’s mental health infrastructure, workforce and community-based services for children,” said Amy Wimpey Knight, president of CHA. “We commend Sens. Casey and Cassidy for recognizing the mental health needs of children and the urgency to work on solutions to address the youth mental health crisis. Children’s hospitals continue to see children who are in crisis and recognize the need for early intervention to have long-term impact. We urge Congress to come together to take meaningful action for our children and youth.”
The Health Care Capacity for Pediatric Mental Health Act will establish three new grant programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) uniquely focused on critical needs within pediatric mental and behavioral health care. Together, these grants:
- Improve access to community-based services and support.
- Support training to enhance the pediatric mental health workforce.
- Invest in critical pediatric mental health infrastructure.
The Health Care Capacity for Pediatric Mental Health Act is one of several bipartisan mental health bills that together comprise a thorough and urgently needed response to the national emergency in children’s mental health. Other bipartisan bills CHA endorses and urges Congress to advance include H.R. 7236, Strengthen Kids’ Mental Health Now Act, H.R. 4944, the Helping Kids Cope Act of 2021, H.R. 4943, the Children’s Mental Health Infrastructure Act of 2021 and H.R. 1397/S. 1798, Telehealth Improvement for Kids’ Essential Services (TIKES) Act.
For more information on youth mental health, visit: childrenshospitals.org/advocacy/mental-health
About Children's Hospital Association
Children’s Hospital Association is the national voice of more than 200 children’s hospitals, advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost, and delivery of care.
