Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S.2938) Signed Into Law on 6/25/2022

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing released notification that the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act has been signed into law stating that it would, “dramatically increase funding for mental health programs and reduce the threat and incidence of violence in America. The Bipartisan Safe Communities Act includes unprecedented mental health funding levels not seen in the last 50 years. It will provide critical investments in mental health and substance use disorder services nationwide by expanding the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program to all states and territories, as well as making available planning grant funds for states to develop proposals to join the program. The legislation also includes aid to broaden access to telehealth services and mental health awareness programs, such as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and provides additional funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ahead of the 988 transition date in July.”

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has also released a Bill Analysis which summarizes the Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Related Provisions of the Law. President Biden’s remarks during the bill signing, reference that this will save lives and provide funding to address the increasing mental health crisis we are experiencing.