National Council Statement Applauding Reps. Matsui and Molinaro for Bipartisan Support of Mental Health Training in 2025 Budget

Washington, D.C. (Sept. 5, 2024) — The National Council for Mental Wellbeing today released the following statement thanking Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) for sending a bipartisan letter encouraging House Appropriations leadership to provide funding for much-needed mental health awareness training, such as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), at least at the level adopted by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Representatives Matsui and Molinaro have demonstrated that mental health is truly a bipartisan issue and that preparing individuals working on the front lines of crisis response to better address mental health emergencies is essential to producing better outcomes,” National Council for Mental Wellbeing President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said. “Leaders on both sides of the aisle have proven to be strong proponents of trainings like MHFA, which teaches the skills necessary to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges as well as how to provide initial support until they receive appropriate professional help.”

“More than 3 million people across the United States have been trained in this evidence-based, early-intervention program and providing adequate funding, as the Senate has done, will continue to help prepare first responders to better interact with and assist people experiencing a mental health emergency.”

“The National Council applauds the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Matsui and Molinaro and thanks them for their strong support on this issue. We encourage their fellow House members to follow their lead in ensuring MHFA can continue helping first responders better care for the people they help.”