Bill > HR7394

This bill, titled the "Mental Health Career Promotion Act," aims to address a shortage of mental and behavioral health professionals by establishing a grant program. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, working through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, will oversee this program. The program will award grants to partnerships that include local or state educational agencies, public junior or community colleges, and community-based mental or behavioral health providers or other relevant community entities. These grants will fund initiatives designed to promote careers in mental and behavioral health to students in high school (grades 9-12) and at community colleges. Such initiatives could involve educational presentations, internships, opportunities to shadow professionals, mentorships, and collaborations with higher education institutions and community organizations. The grants will be for a duration of five years and can be renewed, with an emphasis on geographical diversity in awards. The bill also mandates an evaluation process for the grant activities and requires annual reports to Congress on the program's effectiveness, limiting the amount recipients can spend on data collection. Finally, it authorizes $50 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out this program.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7394/all-info