Bill introduced to grow nation’s mental health and behavioral workforce

Sep 12, 2024

Teenage Hispanic girl gestures as she speaks to a support group.

Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY)

Reps. Andrea Salinas (D-OR) and Marc Molinaro (R-NY) on September 12 introduced legislation to help grow the nation’s mental health and behavioral workforce to address a mental health and substance use disorder crisis.

The Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Plus Scholarship Act would create a scholarship for students who wish to enter the mental health and behavioral health workforce, including social workers. The legislation is supported by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and 14 other mental health organizations.

Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR)

“NASW applauds Reps. Andrea Salinas and Marc Molinaro for their vision to introduce the STAR Plus Scholarship Act. NASW supports opportunities to grow the social work workforce in a way that allows social workers to afford their education. This legislation would help social workers and other mental health professionals complete their education with the knowledge that they have financial support. This is a step in the right direction to meet the needs of individuals in a mental health professionals shortage area and help bolster the social work workforce,” NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, said.

Take time to read the full press release.

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