Representatives Jennifer McClellan and Don Bacon, alongside Senators Jeff Merkley and Cindy Hyde-Smith, have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing shortages in mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities. This legislation comes in response to a growing mental health crisis where one in five American adults live with mental illness, yet over 75% of those needing substance use treatment did not receive it last year.
The proposed Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act, designated as H.R. 3266, seeks to establish a loan and loan guarantee program within the Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative aims to build or renovate treatment facilities for mental health or substance use disorders. The bill mandates that at least a quarter of the funding be reserved for facilities serving pediatric and adolescent populations. It also prioritizes high-need, underserved, or rural areas capable of providing integrated care for patients with complex needs.
Representative Bacon emphasized the importance of investing in mental health care: “At a time when one in every five U.S. adults report experiencing mental illness, we need to be investing in mental health care.” He added that the act would expand infrastructure to ensure adequate treatment availability during crises.
Congresswoman McClellan highlighted the necessity of support systems: “We face a mental health crisis in this country but have yet to meet that crisis with the necessary avenues of support.” She urged her colleagues to back the bill to secure essential care for all Americans, especially youth and underserved communities.
Senator Hyde-Smith pointed out existing struggles: “This legislation recognizes that our nation faces a growing crisis in not having enough infrastructure and workforce.” She noted its potential benefits for reducing burdens on law enforcement and hospitals by increasing facility numbers through loans and guarantees.
Senator Merkley stressed the significance of community resources: “Mental health care is essential health care,” advocating for investments in infrastructure nationwide.
The bill has received endorsements from several organizations including the American College of Emergency Physicians, American Hospital Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, among others.
