CCUSA supports passage of Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016

Sister Donna Markham OP, PhD/ABPP, President and CEO of CCUSA, wrote to members of the House of Representatives, asking them to support H.R. 2646. The Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016 takes the first step in reforming and improving the US’ fragmented mental health care system. The bill improves integration of primary care, substance abuse care and mental health care; strengthens mental health parity; enhances programs for early intervention; and provides additional support for community-based mental health programs. In addition, the bill helps to clarify circumstances under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in which patient information can be shared. The bipartisan support for this bill offers hope that the country can take a first step forward towards comprehensive reform of our mental health system. Read the full letter.