DeLauro Applauds $500 million for the School Based Mental Health Service Grants Program in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Chair of the House Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) applauded the inclusion of her School Based Mental Health Services Grants program in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, bipartisan legislation that would reduce gun violence and better community safety.

"I am very pleased that the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act includes the School Based Mental Health Service Grants program, a program that I created and is vital to students' academic achievement, success, and safety" said Chair DeLauro. "I was inspired to create this after my countless conversations with Connecticut parents, educators, and district leaders who highlighted the urgent need for additional mental health professionals in schools. While I will continue to make investments in this program through appropriations, this $500 million investment over the next five years will further expand the program's reach and move us closer to my goal of ensuring every child goes to a school with a qualified mental health professional in the building."

In DeLauro's first year as Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, she created the School Based Mental Health Services Grants program to help school districts increase the number of qualified, well-trained mental health professionals working in schools.

Under the School Based Mental Health Services Grants program, awards are made to school districts and states to directly increase the number of these vital mental health professionals, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, or other mental health professionals qualified to provide school-based mental health services.