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Immediate Mental Health Support After Disasters: Mobile Units and Grants.

This act mandates the immediate deployment of mobile mental health crisis units to areas affected by major disasters, providing specialized counseling for up to two years. It also authorizes $44 million annually in grants for state and tribal governments to expand local behavioral health treatment and crisis services for victims. The goal is to ensure rapid, culturally appropriate psychological support following catastrophic events.
Key points
FEMA must immediately deploy mobile units staffed by trained professionals to offer free mental health counseling to disaster victims for up to two years.
$44 million is authorized annually for grants to states and tribal governments to fund local behavioral health services, screenings, and crisis hotlines.
A new research program will study the long-term effects of major disasters on mental health and substance use disorders across different socioeconomic groups.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8422
Sponsor: Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]
Process start date: 2024-05-16
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Mental Health Emergency Needs in Disasters Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_8422.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-05-16.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • FEMA must immediately deploy mobile units staffed by trained professionals to offer free mental health counseling to disaster victims for up to two years.
  • $44 million is authorized annually for grants to states and tribal governments to fund local behavioral health services, screenings, and crisis hotlines.
  • A new research program will study the long-term effects of major disasters on mental health and substance use disorders across different socioeconomic groups.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Health Public Investments