H.R. 1704 would amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral health services on college campuses.
Detailed Summary
Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants to eligible institutions of higher education to improve mental and behavioral health services and outreach on college and university campuses.
Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate with a community mental health center or other community mental health resources; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination.
Allows the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees.
Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to convene an interagency, public-private sector working group to plan, establish, and begin coordinating and evaluating a targeted public education campaign that is designed to focus on mental and behavioral health on college campuses.
Requires the Secretary to establish the College Campus Task Force to discuss mental and behavioral health concerns on college and university campuses.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
DL
March 29, 2009, 10:00am (report abuse)The mental health professionals should be psychiatrists.