The pandemic has increased levels of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders — elevating the need for early interventions and equitable mental health care.

About 25 percent of people experience mental health or behavioral health challenges, but only 43 percent of them receive treatment. Too many people aren’t getting the care they need, which is especially true for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities.

Our Health California (OHC), an online community of more than 1 million Californians dedicated to advancing equal access to affordable health care for all, is pressing legislators to pass the Strengthening Mental Health Supports for BIPOC Communities Act (HR 1331).

This week, the OHC community is taking action to support HR 1331 by urging lawmakers to pass HR 1331.

The proposal by U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (CA-29 in Los Angeles County) champions equitable access to behavioral health care services by requiring:

• States to report information about services to address health inequities within Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities;
• States to report on patient outcomes, as well as the outreach to and the hiring of BIPOC mental health services providers;
• Training to providers on culturally and linguistically responsive services.

This legislation is an important step to making sure the government does its part to deliver behavioral health services to BIPOC communities in our state.

As a HASC member, you can help, too, by telling lawmakers to pass HR 1331 to support California’s BIPOC communities.

It’s time ALL Californians have access to the behavioral health care they need and deserve.

Please contact HASC Vice President, External Affairs and Strategic Communications Adam Blackstone with any questions.

Contact:
Adam Blackstone
(213) 538-0761
ablackstone@hasc.org