Petroplex News

Ahead of World Teen Mental Wellness Day, U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the youth mental health crisis in America. The Early Action and Responsiveness Lifts Youth (EARLY) Minds Act seeks to provide early intervention and prevention services for children and adults facing mental health challenges.

The legislation is led by U.S. Representatives August Pfluger, Kim Schrier, John Joyce, and Kathy Castor, along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Thom Tillis, Tim Kaine, and Lisa Murkowski. It proposes allowing states to allocate up to five percent of their Mental Health Block Grant funding for prevention and early intervention activities.

"As reports of severe mental health issues continue to rise across the country, it is imperative that we address this issue," said Rep. August Pfluger. He emphasized the importance of early intervention in mitigating mental health challenges.

Rep. Kim Schrier highlighted the need for preventative care: "Mental Health Block Grants should fund prevention and early intervention services." She noted that behavioral health challenges are increasing.

Rep. John Joyce expressed his support as a physician: "Assisting children in crisis so that they can receive the care and support that they need is vital."

Rep. Kathy Castor stressed her commitment as Co-Chair of the Children’s Health Care Caucus: "Allowing Mental Health Block Grants to fund prevention and early intervention services is a sensible solution."

Senator Padilla pointed out the current delays in receiving mental health support: "Our bipartisan legislation would address the growing youth mental health crisis by equipping states to provide young people preventative treatment."

Senator Tillis remarked on the necessity of timely support: "The bipartisan EARLY Minds Act gives states flexibility to invest in these critically-important services."

Senator Kaine cited recent increases in depression among young people as a reason for introducing this legislation.

The EARLY Minds Act also requires reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services detailing states’ efforts toward early intervention every two years.

Tim Clement from Mental Health America stated, “Millions of Americans are at risk... The EARLY Minds Act will change that.”

Matthew Cook from CHA supported the bill's focus on resources for early detection: “Proactive early intervention can dramatically change a child’s life.”

Laurel Stine from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention emphasized suicide prevention through early action: “Preventing youth suicide begins with early intervention.”

Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of APA, called it critical for ensuring more people do not develop conditions: “Intervening before onset is crucial.”

Courtney Gallo Hunter from Crisis Text Line supported investing in critical programming: “Young people need more in-person programs.”

Tami D. Benton from AACAP commended efforts towards pediatric mental health improvement.

Mark Barden from Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund spoke about averting tragedies through timely interventions.

Susan Kressly from American Academy of Pediatrics urged swift advancement of this bill.

R. Lawrence Moss from Nemours Children’s Health noted its potential impact on lifelong health outcomes.