Children's Hospital Association Supports Introduction of Helping Kids Cope Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), representing over 200 children’s hospitals across the country, commends the introduction of the Helping Kids Cope Act (H.R. 2412) by Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del. and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa. This bill will address several drivers of the youth mental health national emergency and the pediatric boarding crisis. 

The Helping Kids Cope Act will establish grant programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) dedicated to the following pediatric mental and behavioral health needs:

• Bolstering the pediatric mental health workforce through enhanced recruitment and training; 
• Supporting early intervention for children by expanding community-based pediatric mental health services; and
• Ensuring developmentally appropriate care settings are available, including for children with more severe conditions and acute mental health care needs.

“Children’s hospitals commend Congresswoman Blunt Rochester's and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick's commitment to improving children’s mental health,” said Amy Wimpey Knight, president of CHA. “Our nation is experiencing a crisis in children’s mental health that is leaving too many children without the care they need. The Helping Kids Cope Act makes urgently needed investments in growing the pediatric behavioral health workforce and expanding access to a full spectrum of children’s mental health services, tailored to the unique needs of children, their families and their local communities.”

CHA, a longtime advocate for pediatric mental health, remains committed to working with Congress to better provide the mental and behavioral health care our children urgently need.