Sandy Hook Promise Applauds Mental Health Appropriations

WASHINGTON — Following the passage of the FY2014 Omnibus Appropriations bill in the U.S. House and Senate, Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) released a statement in support of government’s increased commitment to mental health funding.

Nelba Marquez-Greene, SHP’s Director of Mental Health and Relational Wellness, said in a statement that, although mental illness does not cause gun violence, it remains more than an occasional factor. “A holistic solution is needed to address the problem of gun violence, and looking at mental illness and general mental wellness are critical parts of the solution,” said Marquez-Greene.

According to a release issued by the group, “This funding will advance critical prevention efforts, providing training to teachers, providing services to students and young people at risk, and increasing the availability of trained behavioral health professionals.” Marquez-Greene adds that, “This is the first step…but we go forward in 2014 with hope, knowing that we have been heard, and as a result, lives may be saved.”

The bill passed the Senate easily by a 72 to 26 vote and includes multiple mental health allocations. It dedicates $15 million to Mental Health First Aid grants, training teachers to recognize early signs of mental illness so they can refer students and families to treatment. An additional $40 million was earmarked for Project Aware. This particular project will provide grants for comprehensive programs in up to 1,500 schools to link students with mental health issues to needed services. A program aimed at young adults at high risk of mental illness will also be developed using $20 million of the available funds.

The bill will also expand behavioral health workforce training opportunities. As a result of this new funding, an estimated 4,375 social workers, psychologists, therapists and other health professionals could be added to the workforce. Meanwhile, a $484 million investment in Mental Health Block Grants now directs states to use 5 percent of their Block Grants for early intervention programs for those with serious mental illness. This is anticipated to decrease the delay between the first onset of symptoms and people receiving necessary treatment. An additional $46 million and $65 million have been earmarked for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and suicide prevention programming respectively.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) also applauded the vote. “Expanding access to mental health services is one of the single most important steps we can take to prevent gun violence,” Blumenthal said in a statement. “Expanding access to these services…will help ensure that those who are dangerously mentally ill get the help they need before they hurt themselves or others.”

Sandy Hook Promise is a national, non-profit organization spearheaded by members of the Newtown community. The group’s mission is “to prevent the causes of gun violence by education and empowering parents to make changes in their community,” and to provide support to affected members of the Sandy Hook community.