,i #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #aajj ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,march #ab1 #bjac ,ms4 ,schakowsky 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,rush1 ,mr4 ,polis1 ,mr4 ,cicilline1 ,mr4 ,grijalva1 ,mr4 ,garamendi1 ,mr4 ,mc,govern1 ,ms4 ,roybal-,allard1 ,mr4 ,ellison1 ,mr4 ,tonko1 ,ms4 ,lee of ,california1 and ,mr4 ,holt7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,public ,health ,service ,act to improve mental and behavioral health services on college campuses4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,mental ,health on ,campus ,improvement ,act4 #b4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the #bjaa ,association of ,university and ,college ,counseling ,center ,directors ,survey found that the average ratio of counselors to students on campus is nearly #a to #a1hgi and is often far higher on large campuses4 ,the ,international ,association of ,counseling ,services accreditation standards recommends #a counselor per #a1jjj to #a1ejj students4 7#b7 ,college ,counselors report that #aj4h percent of enrolled students sought counseling in the past year1 totaling an estimated #b1jjj1jjj students4 7#c7 ,over #ij percent of counseling directors believe there is an increase in the number of students coming to campus with severe psychological problems2 today1 #dd percent of the students who visit campus counseling centers are dealing with severe mental illness1 up from #af percent in #bjjj1 and #bd percent are on psychiatric medication1 up from #ag percent in #bjjj4 7#d7 ,the majority of campus counseling directors report that the demand for services and the severity of student needs are growing without an increase in resources4 7#e7 ,many students who need help never receive it4 ,only #ae percent of college students who commit suicide received campus counseling4 ,of students who seriously consider suicide each year1 only #eb of them seek any professional help at all4 7#f7 ,a #bjab ,american ,college ,health ,association 7,,acha7 survey of more than #ih1jjj college and university students revealed that1 within the last #ab months1 #ea percent of students report having felt overwhelming anxiety1 #ca percent felt so depressed it was difficult to function1 and #df percent felt hopeless4 ,the ,,acha survey found that #g4e percent of students have seriously considered suicide in the past #ab months4 7#g7 ,the ,national ,research ,consortium of ,counseling ,centers in ,higher ,education found that #f percent of students have seriously considered suicide in the past #ab months4 ,the ,research ,consortium found that of those who have seriously considered suicide in the past #ab months1 #eb percent sought no preferred help and only #ed percent told anyone that they were considering suicide4 7#h7 ,research conducted between #aiig and #bjji1 and presented at the #aahth annual convention of the ,american ,psychological ,association found that more students are grappling with depression and anxiety disorders than did a decade ago4 ,the study found that of students who sought college counseling1 #da percent had moderate to severe depression in #bjji1 that number was #cd percent in #aiig4 7#i7 ,a survey conducted by the ,university of ,idaho ,student ,counseling ,center in #bjjj found that #gg percent of students who responded reported that they were more likely to stay in school because of counseling and that their school performance would have declined without counseling4 7#aj7 ,students with psychological issues often struggle academically and are at risk for dropping out of school4 ,counseling has been shown to address these issues while having a positive impact on students remaining in school4 ,a #f-year longitudinal study found college students receiving counseling to have an #aa4d percent higher retention rate than the general university population 7,turner ,berry1 #bjjj74 7#aa7 ,a national survey of college students living with mental health conditions1 conducted by the ,national ,alliance on ,mental ,health1 found that #fd percent of students who experience mental health problems in college and withdraw from school do so because of their mental health issues4 ,the survey also found that #ej percent of that group never accessed mental health services and supports4 #c4 ,improving mental and behavioral health on college campuses ,title ,v of the ,public ,health ,service ,act is amended by inserting after section #ebj;,e-#b 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bij;bb-#cf;b7 the following3 #ebj;,e-#c4 ,grants to improve mental and behavioral health on college campuses 7a7 ,purpose ,it is the purpose of this section1 with respect to college and university settings1 to-- 7#a7 increase access to mental and behavioral health services2 7#b7 foster and improve the prevention of mental and behavioral health disorders1 and the promotion of mental health2 7#c7 improve the identification and treatment for students at risk2 7#d7 improve collaboration and the development of appropriate levels of mental and behavioral health care2 7#e7 reduce the stigma for students with mental health disorders and enhance their access to mental health services2 and 7#f7 improve the efficacy of outreach efforts4 7b7 ,grants ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator and in consultation with the ,secretary of ,education1 shall award competitive grants to eligible entities to improve mental and behavioral health services and outreach on college and university campuses4 7c7 ,eligibility ,to be eligible to receive a grant under subsection 7b71 an entity shall-- 7#a7 be an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja772 and 7#b7 submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including the information required under subsection 7d74 7d7 ,application ,an application for a grant under this section shall include-- 7#a7 a description of the population to be targeted by the program carried out under the grant1 the particular mental and behavioral health needs of the students involved2 7#b7 a description of the ,federal1 ,state1 local1 private1 and institutional resources available for meeting the needs of such students at the time the application is submitted2 7#c7 an outline of the objectives of the program carried out under the grant2 7#d7 a description of activities1 services1 and training to be provided under the program1 including planned outreach strategies to reach students not currently seeking services2 7#e7 a plan to seek input from community mental health providers1 when available1 community groups1 and other public and private entities in carrying out the program2 7#f7 a plan1 when applicable1 to meet the specific mental and behavioral health needs of veterans attending institutions of higher education2 7#g7 a description of the methods to be used to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of the program2 and 7#h7 an assurance that grant funds will be used to supplement1 and not supplant1 any other ,federal1 ,state1 or local funds available to carry out activities of the type carried out under the grant4 7e7 ,special considerations ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give special consideration to applications that describe programs to be carried out under the grant that-- 7#a7 demonstrate the greatest need for new or additional mental and behavioral health services1 in part by providing information on current ratios of students to mental and behavioral health professionals2 7#b7 propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services and supports using evidence-based practices2 7#c7 target traditionally underserved populations and populations most at risk2 7#d7 where possible1 demonstrate an awareness of1 and a willingness to1 coordinate with a community mental health center or other mental health resource in the community1 to support screening and referral of students requiring intensive services2 7#e7 identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies1 including how information will be communicated with families or other appropriate parties2 and 7#f7 demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination4 7f7 ,use of funds ,amounts received under a grant under this section may be used to-- 7#a7 provide mental and behavioral health services to students1 including prevention1 promotion of mental health1 voluntary screening1 early intervention1 voluntary assessment1 treatment1 management1 and education services relating to the mental and behavioral health of students2 7#b7 provide outreach services to notify students about the existence of mental and behavioral health services2 7#c7 educate students1 families1 faculty1 staff1 and communities to increase awareness of mental health issues2 7#d7 support student groups on campus that engage in activities to educate students1 including activities to reduce stigma surrounding mental and behavioral disorders1 and promote mental health wellness2 7#e7 employ appropriately trained staff2 7#f7 provide training to students1 faculty1 and staff to respond effectively to students with mental and behavioral health issues2 7#g7 expand mental health training through internship1 post-doctorate1 and residency programs2 7#h7 develop and support evidence-based and emerging best practices1 including a focus on culturally and linguistically appropriate best practices2 and 7#i7 evaluate and disseminate best practices to other colleges and universities4 7g7 ,duration of grants ,a grant under this section shall be awarded for a period not to exceed #c years4 7h7 ,evaluation and reporting 7#a7 ,evaluation ,not later than #ah months after the date on which a grant is received under this section1 the eligible entity involved shall submit to the ,secretary the results of an evaluation to be conducted by the entity concerning the effectiveness of the activities carried out under the grant and plans for the sustainability of such efforts4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report concerning the results of-- 7,a7 the evaluations conducted under paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 an evaluation conducted by the ,secretary to analyze the effectiveness and efficacy of the activities conducted with grants under this section4 7i7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary may provide technical assistance to grantees in carrying out this section4 7j7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 #ebj;,e-#d4 ,mental and behavioral health outreach and education on college campuses 7a7 ,purpose ,it is the purpose of this section to increase access to1 and reduce the stigma associated with1 mental health services so as to ensure that college students have the support necessary to successfully complete their studies4 7b7 ,national ,public ,education ,campaign ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator and in collaboration with the ,director of the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention1 shall convene an interagency1 public-private sector working group to plan1 establish1 and begin coordinating and evaluating a targeted public education campaign that is designed to focus on mental and behavioral health on college campuses4 ,such campaign shall be designed to-- 7#a7 improve the general understanding of mental health and mental health disorders2 7#b7 encourage help-seeking behaviors relating to the promotion of mental health1 prevention of mental health disorders1 and treatment of such disorders2 7#c7 make the connection between mental and behavioral health and academic success2 and 7#d7 assist the general public in identifying the early warning signs and reducing the stigma of mental illness4 7c7 ,composition ,the working group under subsection 7b7 shall include-- 7#a7 mental health consumers1 including students and family members2 7#b7 representatives of colleges and universities2 7#c7 representatives of national mental and behavioral health and college associations2 7#d7 representatives of college health promotion and prevention organizations2 7#e7 representatives of mental health providers1 including community mental health centers2 and 7#f7 representatives of private- and public-sector groups with experience in the development of effective public health education campaigns4 7d7 ,plan ,the working group under subsection 7b7 shall develop a plan that shall-- 7#a7 target promotional and educational efforts to the college age population and individuals who are employed in college and university settings1 including the use of roundtables2 7#b7 develop and propose the implementation of research-based public health messages and activities2 7#c7 provide support for local efforts to reduce stigma by using the ,national ,mental ,health ,information ,center as a primary point of contact for information1 publications1 and service program referrals2 and 7#d7 develop and propose the implementation of a social marketing campaign that is targeted at the college population and individuals who are employed in college and university settings4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 4 #d4 ,interagency ,working ,group on ,college ,mental ,health 7a7 ,purpose ,it is the purpose of this section1 pursuant to ,executive ,order #acbfc 7and the recommendations issued under section #f7;b7 of such ,order71 to provide for the establishment of a ,college ,campus ,task ,force under the ,federal ,executive ,steering ,committee on ,mental ,health1 to discuss mental and behavioral health concerns on college and university campuses4 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary7 shall establish a ,college ,campus ,task ,force 7referred to in this section as the ,task ,force71 under the ,federal ,executive ,steering ,committee on ,mental ,health1 to discuss mental and behavioral health concerns on college and university campuses4 7c7 ,membership ,the ,task ,force shall be composed of a representative from each ,federal agency 7as appointed by the head of the agency7 that has jurisdiction over1 or is affected by1 mental health and education policies and projects1 including-- 7#a7 the ,department of ,education2 7#b7 the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services2 7#c7 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs2 and 7#d7 such other ,federal agencies as the ,administrator of the ,substance ,abuse and ,mental ,health ,services ,administration and the ,secretary jointly determine to be appropriate4 7d7 ,duties ,the ,task ,force shall-- 7#a7 serve as a centralized mechanism to coordinate a national effort-- 7,a7 to discuss and evaluate evidence and knowledge on mental and behavioral health services available to1 and the prevalence of mental health illness among1 the college age population of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 to determine the range of effective1 feasible1 and comprehensive actions to improve mental and behavioral health on college and university campuses2 7,c7 to examine and better address the needs of the college age population dealing with mental illness2 7,d7 to survey ,federal agencies to determine which policies are effective in encouraging1 and how best to facilitate outreach without duplicating1 efforts relating to mental and behavioral health promotion2 7,e7 to establish specific goals within and across ,federal agencies for mental health promotion1 including determinations of accountability for reaching those goals2 7,f7 to develop a strategy for allocating responsibilities and ensuring participation in mental and behavioral health promotions1 particularly in the case of competing agency priorities2 7,g7 to coordinate plans to communicate research results relating to mental and behavioral health amongst the college age population to enable reporting and outreach activities to produce more useful and timely information2 7,h7 to provide a description of evidence-based best practices1 model programs1 effective guidelines1 and other strategies for promoting mental and behavioral health on college and university campuses2 7,i7 to make recommendations to improve ,federal efforts relating to mental and behavioral health promotion on college campuses and to ensure ,federal efforts are consistent with available standards and evidence and other programs in existence as of the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7,j7 to monitor ,federal progress in meeting specific mental and behavioral health promotion goals as they relate to college and university settings2 7#b7 consult with national organizations with expertise in mental and behavioral health1 especially those organizations working with the college age population2 and 7#c7 consult with and seek input from mental health professionals working on college and university campuses as appropriate4 7e7 ,meetings 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,task ,force shall meet at least #c times each year4 7#b7 ,annual conference ,the ,secretary shall sponsor an annual conference on mental and behavioral health in college and university settings to enhance coordination1 build partnerships1 and share best practices in mental and behavioral health promotion1 data collection1 analysis1 and services4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4