WILSON, DEUTCH INTRODUCE BILL TO INTEGRATE MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN FOREIGN AID PROGRAMS

Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) respectively the Ranking Member and Chair of the Middle East, North Africa, and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee, introduced the bipartisan Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act, legislation to integrate Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) best practices across all U.S. foreign assistance programs and develop inter-bureau and interagency coordination on MHPSS programming.

"The effects of mental illness can be devastating, particularly on children growing up in areas of conflict and poverty," Rep. Wilson said. "It is critical to take a proactive approach to ensure that U.S. foreign assistance is utilized effectively to assist those who are most vulnerable. I am grateful to join my friend and colleague, Chairman Ted Deutch, in promoting positive mental health, stability, and responsible use of taxpayer-funded foreign assistance."

"The mental health needs around the world have never been greater—particularly for those who were already facing significant adversity before the COVID-19 pandemic," said Rep. Deutch. "We need a government-wide mental health and psychosocial support strategy that recognizes the importance of mental health in U.S. foreign assistance. This bill will help to meet the urgent mental health needs of the communities we are aiming to help, especially as those communities recover from COVID-19, and ensure every U.S. foreign assistance dollar is going towards impactful humanitarian aid and sustainable development."

A Senate companion bill was introduced by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA).

"Addressing mental health needs is especially important as we reckon with the effects of COVID-19 on communities around the world, especially communities already at conflict. This legislation would aim to reverse those trends and prioritize mental health support through USAID," said Senator Casey. "Investing in the mental health and well-being of children ensures that they continue to thrive into adulthood and can help break cycles of poverty and violence and further their country's future potential. We must do everything we can to support young people facing mental health challenges to positively change the trajectories of young lives."

The MINDS Act would enhance U.S. global mental health policy by:

• Codifying the position of USAID Coordinator for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).
• Tasking the Coordinator with establishing and chairing an MHPSS Working Group, which will include members at the Deputy Assistant Administrator level from each USAID Bureau, as well as representatives from the State Department, and will promote inter-bureau and inter-agency coordination on the integration of MHPSS across U.S. foreign assistance programming.
• Establishing a specific focus within the Working Group on MHPSS for vulnerable populations, including children, adult caretakers and families, and crisis-affected communities, including victims of gender-based violence and displaced populations.
• Requiring USAID and State to integrate MHPSS programming across regional bureaus and missions.

The Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act is endorsed by: American Academy of Pediatrics, UNICEF USA, World Vision, Catholic Relief Services, Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, The Borgen Project, the Institute for Reconstruction and International Security through Education, Heartland Alliance International, the Mennonite Central Committee, the Amal Alliance, Global Campaign for Education US, Bethany Christian Services, The Two Lilies Fund, and Whole Child International.

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