AFSCME Supports the ‘Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act’

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement in support of the “Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act,” bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) and Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) and Reps. Doris Matsui (D-California) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma). The legislation would increase the level of much-needed resources in 19 states to treat mental health conditions and addiction:

“AFSCME members are committed to making their communities healthier and stronger through treating addiction, mental health conditions and addressing the opioid epidemic. We support this important bipartisan legislation because it builds on the success and effectiveness of established Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), which have expanded services and reduced wait times for patients who need urgent treatment. We thank Senators Stabenow and Blunt and Representatives Matsui and Mullin for their leadership and for making it easier for dedicated mental health professionals to provide better care for the clients to whom they are so dedicated.”