Overview
Title
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a national awareness and outreach campaign to improve mental health among the Hispanic and Latino youth population.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 8376 is a plan to help Hispanic and Latino kids feel better and healthier by telling everyone about mental health problems and getting more people to help them. It also wants to study why they might feel this way and get more helpers who understand how they feel.
Summary AI
H.R. 8376 is a bill that aims to improve mental health among Hispanic and Latino youth in the United States by amending the Public Health Service Act. The bill proposes a national awareness and outreach campaign to reduce stigma and increase understanding of mental health issues within these communities. It also calls for studies on mental health challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino youth, as well as strategies to increase the number of Hispanic and Latino mental health professionals. Additionally, the bill authorizes specific funding amounts to support these initiatives over several years.
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AnalysisAI
The bill titled the “Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act” aims to address the mental health challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino youth in the United States by amending the Public Health Service Act. It proposes a national awareness and outreach campaign focused on improving mental health among this demographic. The initiative is intended to provide culturally and linguistically competent resources, education, and support to the targeted communities. It also mandates studies to understand the mental health crisis and workforce shortages affecting Hispanic and Latino youth.
General Summary of the Bill
The bill sets out to establish a comprehensive approach to tackling mental health issues faced by Hispanic and Latino youth. It mandates the creation of an awareness campaign funded at $5 million annually from 2025 to 2029. This campaign is tasked with promoting mental health education, reducing stigma, and increasing the availability and accessibility of mental health resources. Further, the bill requires studies on the mental health crisis and workforce shortage, with the aim of offering insights and recommendations for improvements. The bill emphasizes collaboration among various governmental and educational entities and inclusion of community advocates in its initiatives.
Summary of Significant Issues
One of the primary concerns with the bill is the lack of detail in the allocation of the $5 million annual funding. Without a clear breakdown, there is a risk of inefficient use of resources. Similarly, the absence of specific metrics or oversight structures may lead to challenges in assessing the effectiveness of the mental health campaign. Furthermore, while emphasizing the need to address diverse needs within the Hispanic and Latino community, the bill lacks clarity on how these needs will be determined or met. Coordination among multiple entities without defined protocols may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies. Lastly, the bill raises privacy concerns, as it does not specify how personal data will be protected during the research phases.
Impact on the Public Broadly
The bill, if effectively implemented, holds the potential to broadly improve mental health outcomes for Hispanic and Latino youth by increasing awareness and accessibility of mental health services. The public might benefit from reduced stigma surrounding mental health issues within these communities, possibly leading to more open discussions and better support for youths in need. Additionally, the studies mandated by the bill could inform future policies that positively influence mental health care beyond the Hispanic and Latino populations.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
The bill's implementation could provide significant advantages to Hispanic and Latino youth, who often face unique barriers to mental health care due to language, cultural factors, and socioeconomic status. Enhancing mental health resources could lead to improved long-term health and well-being for these individuals. However, the bill's ambiguity in fund allocation and evaluation processes might mean that the desired outcomes are not fully realized, potentially leaving gaps in service delivery.
On the other hand, educational institutions and healthcare providers might experience increased responsibilities as they work to implement the outreach strategies and accommodate the diverse needs of targeted youths. This could be a double-edged sword, providing opportunities for growth and development, but also straining existing resources without clear guidance on funding distribution.
In summary, while the Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act aims to address critical challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino youths, clarifications on funding distribution, oversight, and coordination are essential to ensure the bill's successful implementation and the realization of its objectives.
Financial Assessment
The bill H.R. 8376 outlines several financial elements related to improving mental health among Hispanic and Latino youth. The key financial allocations and their connections to the identified issues are explored below.
Financial Allocations
1. National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Awareness and Outreach Campaign
The bill authorizes $5,000,000 annually from 2025 through 2029 for implementing a national campaign aimed at promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma among Hispanic and Latino youth (SEC. 3). This sum is intended to fund various components of the campaign, including developing culturally and linguistically competent materials and establishing partnerships among educational and mental health organizations.
2. Study and Report on Youth Mental Health Crisis
An additional $1,000,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2025 to conduct a study on the mental health crisis among Hispanic and Latino youth (SEC. 4). This study will assess prevalence, risk factors, and awareness of available resources.
3. Study and Report on Workforce Shortage
The bill appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 to study strategies for increasing the Hispanic and Latino mental health workforce (SEC. 5). This initiative aims to analyze current workforce demographics, educational program enrollments, and language proficiencies among mental health professionals.
Connections to Identified Issues
Lack of Detailed Breakdown of Allocated Funds
One significant issue is the absence of a detailed breakdown of how the $5,000,000 annual funding for the campaign will be allocated. Without specific earmarks for various campaign activities, there is a risk of inefficient resource distribution. Clearer guidelines could ensure that crucial areas receive adequate funding, minimizing the likelihood of neglecting essential services.
Metrics and Oversight
The issue of lacking specific metrics or oversight structures for measuring the campaign's effectiveness is noteworthy. The financial allocations, while substantial, may not translate into impactful outcomes if there isn't a robust system to track progress and effectiveness. Establishing metrics and oversight could optimize the use of the allocated funds by ensuring accountability and facilitating adjustments based on observed outcomes.
Assessment and Validation of 'Diverse Needs'
The bill's language references targeting diverse needs but does not specify mechanisms for their assessment. This oversight could result in uneven distribution of resources, potentially exacerbating inequities among different Hispanic and Latino subgroups. A thoughtful allocation plan could ensure appropriated funds address genuine and varied community needs efficiently.
Coordination Among Entities
The successful deployment of allocated funds hinges on effective coordination among numerous entities, but the bill lacks explicit protocols to guide such cooperation. Appropriations can be rendered ineffective by bureaucratic bottlenecks unless role definitions and collaborative frameworks are clearly established.
Privacy Concerns in Studies
While the bill involves sensitive data, particularly in the $1,000,000 allocations for research studies, it does not specify protections for personal data privacy. Ensuring strong privacy measures would safeguard against legal and ethical issues, thereby facilitating smoother implementation of the funded studies.
In conclusion, while the financial allocations presented in H.R. 8376 are well-intentioned towards enhancing mental health services for Hispanic and Latino youth, addressing the aforementioned issues could drastically improve the efficiency and impact of these funds. Clear guidelines, oversight, and coordination are crucial to ensure that the allocated resources achieve the bill's objectives effectively.
Issues
The bill lacks a detailed breakdown of the $5,000,000 annual funding authorized for the mental health campaign (SEC. 3), which could lead to inefficient allocation of resources or inadequate funding of vital activities. This is significant for ensuring effective use of taxpayer dollars.
There are no specific metrics or oversight structures mentioned in SEC. 3 and SEC. 4 for measuring the effectiveness of the mental health awareness campaign or the study on Hispanic and Latino youth mental health, which may result in lack of accountability and difficulty in assessing program success.
SEC. 3 mentions targeting the campaign to meet 'diverse needs,' but does not specify how these needs will be assessed or validated, potentially leading to discrepancies and inequitable service distribution among Hispanic and Latino communities. This could be a significant ethical concern.
The bill requires coordination among multiple governmental and non-governmental entities (SEC. 3 and SEC. 4) but lacks specific protocols for ensuring effective cooperation, which can lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies and compromise program goals.
SEC. 4 and SEC. 5 cover studies that involve multiple stakeholders but do not clearly define roles and responsibilities, posing risks of overlap or inefficiencies in conducting research and implementing recommendations.
The language regarding culturally and linguistically competent campaigns (SEC. 3) is vague, which might result in varied implementation across different communities, potentially leading to inequitable access to mental health resources.
There is a lack of detail in SEC. 5 on how the study on the mental health workforce shortage will specifically increase the Hispanic and Latino workforce, including the measures to encourage enrollment in relevant educational programs.
The bill does not specify the mechanisms for ensuring personal data privacy (SEC. 4 and SEC. 5), despite involving sensitive information, which may raise legal and ethical concerns about individual privacy protections.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the act specifies that it will be known as the "Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act."
2. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has identified several challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino youth, including high levels of toxic stress and adverse childhood experiences, which negatively affect their mental health. Despite suffering from significant mental health issues, these youth are less likely to receive appropriate mental health care due to barriers such as low health insurance coverage, cultural and language differences, and limited parental awareness.
3. National hispanic and latino mental health awareness and outreach campaign Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section authorizes the development and implementation of a national campaign to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma among Hispanic and Latino youth, incorporating culturally tailored outreach and education efforts. It mandates a study of past campaigns and collaboration with various health and education organizations, with a budget of $5 million annually from 2025 to 2029.
Money References
- Such campaign shall be developed— “(A) taking into account the results of the study conducted under subsection (a); “(B) in coordination with the Director of the Office of Minority Health, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, and the Secretary of Education; and “(C) in consultation with relevant advocacy and mental health organizations serving populations of Hispanic and Latino individuals or communities. “(2) ELEMENTS OF CAMPAIGN.—The campaign under paragraph (1) shall— “(A) develop a culturally- and linguistically-competent awareness campaign, targeted at Hispanic and Latino parents, caregivers, youth, teachers, school personnel, and school clinic staff to meet the diverse needs of Hispanic and Latino youth, including— “(i) increasing awareness of symptoms associated with mental illnesses, including their prevalence and misconceptions among youth; “(ii) increasing awareness of factors driving mental illness among Hispanic and Latino youth, including factors that are social determinants of health, taking into account differences within population subgroups, such as gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, geographic region or location, immigration status, and history of adverse childhood experiences; “(iii) combatting the stigma of mental illnesses that are common in the Hispanic and Latino community, taking into account differences within such population subgroups; and “(iv) increasing awareness of evidence-based, culturally-tailored, and trauma-informed mental illness screening, intervention, and treatment options, taking into account differences within such population subgroups; and “(B) develop a culturally and linguistically competent outreach campaign, targeted at Hispanic and Latino parents, caregivers, youth, teachers, school personnel, and school clinic staff to meet the diverse needs of Hispanic and Latino youth, including— “(i) creating and distributing mental health materials and resources (including materials relating to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Hotline under section 520E–3) in collaboration with local, State, and national community advocates and stakeholders, taking into account differences within population subgroups, such as gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and geographic region or location; “(ii) hosting in-person and virtual mental health workshops at relevant locations, including elementary schools and secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, community centers, and other appropriate sites; “(iii) providing youth mental health first aid training to parents, caregivers, teachers, school personnel, and school clinic staff, and other personnel that consistently interact or work with the target population; “(iv) establishing partnerships between local, State, and national mental health agencies and elementary schools and secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), after-school programs, and other appropriate sites that serve Hispanic and Latino youth; and “(v) providing mental health screenings and on-site consultations at elementary schools and secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), community centers, and other appropriates sites. “(c) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.”. ---
553. National hispanic and latino youth mental health awareness and outreach campaign Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section establishes a national campaign to raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health among Hispanic and Latino youth. It involves creating educational materials and workshops, providing training for those interacting with youth, and forming partnerships to promote culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health education, with a budget of $5 million annually from 2025 to 2029.
Money References
- Such campaign shall be developed— (A) taking into account the results of the study conducted under subsection (a); (B) in coordination with the Director of the Office of Minority Health, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, and the Secretary of Education; and (C) in consultation with relevant advocacy and mental health organizations serving populations of Hispanic and Latino individuals or communities. (2) ELEMENTS OF CAMPAIGN.—The campaign under paragraph (1) shall— (A) develop a culturally- and linguistically-competent awareness campaign, targeted at Hispanic and Latino parents, caregivers, youth, teachers, school personnel, and school clinic staff to meet the diverse needs of Hispanic and Latino youth, including— (i) increasing awareness of symptoms associated with mental illnesses, including their prevalence and misconceptions among youth; (ii) increasing awareness of factors driving mental illness among Hispanic and Latino youth, including factors that are social determinants of health, taking into account differences within population subgroups, such as gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, geographic region or location, immigration status, and history of adverse childhood experiences; (iii) combatting the stigma of mental illnesses that are common in the Hispanic and Latino community, taking into account differences within such population subgroups; and (iv) increasing awareness of evidence-based, culturally-tailored, and trauma-informed mental illness screening, intervention, and treatment options, taking into account differences within such population subgroups; and (B) develop a culturally and linguistically competent outreach campaign, targeted at Hispanic and Latino parents, caregivers, youth, teachers, school personnel, and school clinic staff to meet the diverse needs of Hispanic and Latino youth, including— (i) creating and distributing mental health materials and resources (including materials relating to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Hotline under section 520E–3) in collaboration with local, State, and national community advocates and stakeholders, taking into account differences within population subgroups, such as gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and geographic region or location; (ii) hosting in-person and virtual mental health workshops at relevant locations, including elementary schools and secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, community centers, and other appropriate sites; (iii) providing youth mental health first aid training to parents, caregivers, teachers, school personnel, and school clinic staff, and other personnel that consistently interact or work with the target population; (iv) establishing partnerships between local, State, and national mental health agencies and elementary schools and secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), after-school programs, and other appropriate sites that serve Hispanic and Latino youth; and (v) providing mental health screenings and on-site consultations at elementary schools and secondary schools (as defined in section 8101 of the of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), community centers, and other appropriates sites. (c) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029. ---
4. Study and report on the Hispanic and Latino youth mental health crisis Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill mandates a study by health officials on mental health issues among Hispanic and Latino youth, focusing on risk factors, prevention, and treatment awareness. It requires a report with recommendations for improving services and suggests an allocation of $1 million for implementation.
Money References
- (d) Authorization of appropriations.—For purposes of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
5. Study and report on the Hispanic and Latino mental health workforce shortage Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill instructs the Secretary of Health to study and report on strategies to increase the number of Hispanic and Latino mental health professionals. The study will gather data on Hispanic and Latino mental health providers, their licensing, languages spoken, education program enrollment, and will make recommendations to improve their representation in the workforce, with a report due within one year.
Money References
- Such report shall— (1) assess Hispanic and Latino clinical and non-clinical mental health providers’ knowledge and awareness of the barriers to quality mental health care services faced by Hispanic and Latino individuals; (2) include recommendations for actions to be taken by the Secretary to increase the number of Hispanic and Latino clinical and non-clinical mental health professionals; (3) include recommendations to improve enrollment in mental health professional education programs among Hispanic and Latino individuals; and (4) include such other recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate. (c) Data.—Any data included in the study or report under this section shall be disaggregated by race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic region, disability status, and other relevant factors, in a manner that protects personal privacy and that is consistent with applicable Federal and State privacy law. (d) Definition.—In this section, the term “clinical and non-clinical mental health provider” means any individual licensed to provide mental health or substance use disorder services, including in the professions of social work, psychology, psychiatry, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, substance use disorder counseling, peer support, primary care, pediatrics, nursing, and other fields as determined by the Secretary. (e) Authorization of appropriations.—For purposes of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2025. ---