Prevention and early intervention (PEI) is effective, but it only exists in pockets throughout the country. Even when an area implements PEI and gets great results, it can be challenging to continue the program let alone spread it to other places. Because most PEI is paid for through grants, it often requires a motivated community with strong leadership to start and continue PEI.
Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have now introduced the Mental Health Reform Act of 2015 (S. 2680, formerly S. 1945). While Mental Health America has not yet formally endorsed it or its House counterpart, we consider it another important step toward making comprehensive mental health reform a reality in America.
Learn about some of the bills introduced in the 116th Congress and where they fall in line with Mental Health America's legislative priorities:
After reading this Washington Post article about Alfred Postell, the Harvard Law graduate experiencing homelessness and diagnosed with schizophrenia, I was overwhelmed with frustration. While this man is important and deserves access to services, the story brings up important questions to ask in our mainstream discussion of mental health.