Us Congress House Bill HB2904

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/25
• Refer: 4/10/25

Caption

Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act

Impact

The bill proposes the establishment of a Primary and Behavioral Health Care Grant Program that prioritizes services for racial and ethnic minorities. This program is designed to not only enhance funding for mental health services but also to ensure that these services are culturally competent and accessible. The act mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services report annually on the effectiveness of the outreach and mental health education strategies implemented under the bill, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Summary

House Bill 2904, referred to as the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, is aimed at addressing mental health issues specifically for youth, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic minority groups. The bill recognizes that these groups often face significant disparities in access to mental health services and outcomes. Through targeted funding and initiatives, the legislation seeks to create a more equitable landscape for mental health resources available to these populations.

Contention

While the bill is widely supported for its intent to bridge the mental health gap for youth of color, it may face challenges related to how funds are allocated and the effectiveness of outreach strategies. Parameters for eligibility for grant funding and the criteria for determining which entities serve a high proportion of minority groups could lead to discussions over fairness and efficacy. Additionally, ensuring that community engagement is authentic and not merely performative will be critical to the success of the initiatives outlined in the bill.