Children’s Hospital Association Endorses Bipartisan Strengthen Kids' Mental Health Now Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), representing 220 children’s hospitals across the country, announces strong support for H.R. 7236, Strengthen Kids' Mental Health Now, which was introduced yesterday by Reps. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del. The bipartisan bill provides much-needed investment in the nation’s mental health infrastructure for children. 

“Today's pediatric mental health system is fragmented and insufficiently structured to meet the needs of children struggling with mental health challenges,” said Amy Wimpey Knight, president of CHA. “We commend Reps. Eshoo, Fitzpatrick and Blunt Rochester for recognizing the unique mental health needs of children and the steady increase in demand that has occurred over the past decade. This legislation takes concrete steps to expand access to mental health services and build greater mental health capacity—supporting programs and people. Children’s hospitals continue to see surges of children who need immediate help, and we urge Congress to come together to take meaningful action for our children and youth.”