Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) recently joined the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) and over 50 other mental health organizations,  signing a letter addressed to Congressional representatives Watson Coleman and Napolitano in support of the reintroduction of the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act. The bill, initially written in 2019 after nine months of work by the Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health, authorizes $995 million in grants and other funding to support research, improve the pipeline of culturally appropriate providers, build outreach programs that reduce stigma, and develop a training program for providers to effectively manage bias and reduce disparities in access to and delivery of mental care for Black and brown youth. 

“Vibrant is grateful for Rep. Watson Coleman, Rep. Napolitano, and Senator Menendez’s vision and leadership in the introduction of the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act,” said Kimberly Williams, President and CEO at Vibrant Emotional Health. “We are pleased to endorse the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, as it is a first step in addressing disparities in access, care, and study of mental health issues among people of color. Importantly, the legislation authorizes funding for outreach and education, a critical step in breaking down barriers.”