National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Shelley Starkey

Congress has reached a $475 billion deal on a “Phase 3.5” legislative package to provide funding for pressing needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal provides an additional $310 billion for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which recently ran out of funds, as well as another $10 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. It also provides $75 billion for health care providers via the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, supplementing the $100 billion provided in the CARES Act.  The bill now moves to President Trump’s desk for his signature, which is expected as early as today.

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Shelley Starkey

As Congress and federal agencies continue their work to provide economic relief for businesses and nonprofits as well as to address the unique public health challenges the country faces through the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Council and countless other vocal advocates have been bringing our voices to the table to ensure that mental health and addiction treatment providers and their patients have their needs met during these challenging times. From requests for $38.5 billion in direct emergency funds for mental health and addiction treatment providers and organizations to highlighting long-held legislative priorities, the National Council has listened to our members’ needs and has made moves to meet them.

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Shelley Starkey

The National Council continued its advocacy efforts this week with legislators and administration officials, urging the allocation of nearly $40 billion in emergency funds for providers of mental health and addiction treatment services. National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia participated in a call with the White House on Thursday and spoke directly to President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence about the field’s needs for emergency appropriations to avert a large-scale public health calamity. We are also actively engaging with Congress, leadership in the Trump Administration, and state and local leaders to ensure fixes to the continued problems our members have made us aware of, including increasing access to telehealth services and equipment and expanding crisis stabilization services across the country.

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Natalie Weiner

Manager, Policy & Advocacy

Last Friday, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law, creating opportunities for small businesses and non-profits to apply for certain loans and tax credits that will help relieve the financial burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more for summaries of the new provisions.

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