H.R.2587 - Youth Mental Health Research Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2587, the Youth Mental Health Research Act, proposes establishing a Youth Mental Health Research Initiative within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The initiative aims to encourage collaborative research to improve youth mental health. It specifically targets social, behavioral, cognitive, and developmental research, as well as research to improve mental health intervention delivery in various settings.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would lead to increased funding and coordinated research efforts focused on youth mental health. This could result in improved understanding, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues in young people. The bill authorizes appropriations of $100 million per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2030 to support the initiative.
Potential Benefits
- Improved understanding of youth mental health issues.
- Enhanced prevention and early intervention strategies.
- More effective mental health interventions in community and clinical settings.
- Increased collaboration among research institutes.
- Potential for long-term cost savings through preventative care.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of resources if the initiative is not managed effectively.
- Risk of research duplication if collaboration is not well-coordinated.
- Opportunity cost, as the $100 million per year could be allocated to other pressing health issues.
- Potential for unintended consequences if research findings are misinterpreted or misapplied.
- The bill does not address the immediate shortage of mental health professionals.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve the health and well-being of the nation's youth. Specifically, the preamble states the goal to "promote the general Welfare". The establishment and funding of research initiatives fall under Congress's power to appropriate funds for the betterment of society.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).