WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today held a Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee hearing on the growing need for mental health and addiction services during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

The hearing brought together witnesses from across the country to discuss how to treat and fund behavioral health. The hearing highlighted Chairwoman Stabenow’s work transforming the way mental health and addiction treatment services are delivered in communities in Michigan and across the country. Malkia Newman from Waterford, Michigan, testified at the hearing to share her personal mental health story and how Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics have helped people in Michigan.

You can watch Chairwoman Stabenow’s opening statement here.

The COVID-19 crisis has shown a spotlight on the urgent and continuing need to fund comprehensive community mental health and addiction services. The good news is that we have a new comprehensive approach that is making a real difference for people who need help,” said Senator Stabenow. “Our witnesses emphasized the urgent need to treat health care above the neck the way we treat health care below the neck.”

“I am living proof that the services and supports that are available through our community mental health system work. I am not naive to the fact that there are many areas that need to be improved, but I know that that my life would not be having the amazing life that I’m living now had I not received treatment for bipolar disorder almost 20 years ago,” said Malkia Newman. “The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics have made it easier for people to access services regardless of whether they have insurance or not. In the past, lack of insurance created a huge barrier for people needing help. It is vitally important that we not just continue to offer behavioral treatment, but that we prepare for the increased need that the pandemic has created.”

For years, Chairwoman Stabenow has led the effort to transform the way mental health and addiction treatment services are delivered in communities across the country. In 2014, Chairwoman Stabenow authored and passed her bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act, which created Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. This law created high-quality standards for services and is permanently closing the gap in funding between physical and behavioral health care. We are now funding behavioral health services the same way we fund physical health services through these clinics.

Since 2018, Stabenow’s efforts have resulted in $112 million in federal funding for 24 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Michigan.