S.1448 - Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1448, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, aims to address mental health issues for youth, particularly youth of color. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to provide special consideration for racial and ethnic minority groups in primary and behavioral healthcare grant programs. It also mandates research on mental health disparities and promotes culturally competent training for health professionals.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase funding and resources dedicated to mental health services for racial and ethnic minority youth. It will also promote research and training initiatives focused on addressing mental health disparities. The Act aims to reduce stigma and improve access to culturally appropriate mental health care.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental health services for racial and ethnic minority youth.
- Enhanced research on mental health disparities.
- Improved cultural competency among healthcare professionals.
- Reduced stigma associated with mental health conditions in minority communities.
- Potential for better mental health outcomes for vulnerable youth populations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending, potentially adding to the national debt.
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in the distribution of funds.
- Risk that research findings may not translate into effective interventions.
- Possible challenges in ensuring culturally competent training programs are implemented effectively.
- The act may not address all the underlying social determinants of mental health disparities.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the health and well-being of a specific population. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but healthcare has been an area of federal involvement through funding and regulation. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights.
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).