Grassroots Action Center
The United States is facing a critical shortage of mental health professionals, leaving countless individuals and families without access to the care they need. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 23.1% of U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Although rates of mental illness between White and non-White populations are similar, only 37.9% of Black Americans and 39.6% of Hispanic Americans receive treatment for their mental illness, compared to 56.1% of White Americans. Additionally, more than half of the U.S. population lives in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. And a majority of behavioral health professionals identify as female and non-Hispanic White—a demographic not always representative of the highest-need communities.
H.R. 3760, introduced by Rep. Troy Carter of Louisiana and a coalition of mental health champions, seeks to address these challenges by alleviating financial barriers that prevent eligible individuals from entering mental health professions and incentivizing providers to serve in the most underserved areas.
This bill would establish a mental health provider loan deferment and forgiveness program. Eligible individuals would be able to receive up to $200,000 in loan forgiveness in exchange for 5 years of service in high-need areas, including communities that have significant populations covered by Medicaid and patients who are “members of a racial and ethnic minority group.”
Take Action Now!
Your voice matters. Contact your representative today and urge them to cosponsor and support H.R. 3760. By doing so, you will help strengthen the mental health workforce, expand access to care for vulnerable populations, and promote a more equitable and effective mental health system.
