The bipartisan Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, HR2646, introduced in June by Rep. Tim Murphy and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, has come under attack. The purpose of the legislation is to resolve a number of problems within our mental health care system, particularly for the treatment of America’s seriously mentally ill. The measures within this legislation would effectively improve treatment and outcomes for those with severe brain diseases ultimately resulting in a significant reduction in homelessness and incarcerations.
But various groups, agencies, and organizations are trying to halt the entire bill, or have a number of crucial measures removed or watered down.