MATSUI APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER LEGISLATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06), applauded the passage of H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022, a package of legislation that provides resources and support to address the mental health and substance use disorder crises facing millions of Americans.

The package includes several bills that Congresswoman Matsui has introduced, including theAnna Westin Legacy Act, which would formally authorize the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders to continue training health care professionals to screen, briefly intervene, and refer individuals to treatment for eating disorders. The package also includes the Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Act, legislation co-led by Congresswoman Matsui that would allow providers to expand comprehensive behavioral health screening and treatment for pregnant and postpartum mothers across the country.

“Today, the House passed a crucial legislative package to build and expand our mental health infrastructure, ensuring Americans the care they need, at the right place and right time for years to come,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “From our children to our friends, families, and fellow community members, mental health impacts our collective well-being. We know that those struggling need to access a robust network of support and resources. I have long led the charge to prioritize mental health on the same level as physical health, and we are making real progress towards achieving parity. That is why the funding and programs in this package are critical to continuing our good work and supporting patients and providers with every tool at their disposal. I applaud my colleagues for passing this important legislation and I will continue my efforts to improve access to the highest quality of mental health care for all Americans.”

Congresswoman Matsui has also co-led efforts in Restoring Hope that would:

• Help the nation prepare for the launch of the “988” National Suicide Prevention Lifeline dialing code in July 2022. H.R. 7666 provides for key crisis response efforts, such as the establishment of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health Crisis Coordination Office and the development of crisis response best practices.
• Eliminate barriers in access to methadone, another evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorders. These barriers can prevent patients from getting timely access to treatment.
• Bolster both mental health and substance use disorder workforce capacity and training, such as the Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training Grants and the integration of behavioral health into primary care, such as through the Collaborative Care Model.   

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