[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6479-S6483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. CLINTON (for herself and Mr. Domenici):
  S. 1452. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a 
national center for public mental health emergency preparedness, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions.
  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, today Senator Domenici and I are 
introducing the Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 
2007. I originally introduced this legislation during the 109 Congress 
to address mental health needs of those affected by disasters and 
public health emergencies, and I want to thank Senator Domenici for his 
support of this legislation and for his strong leadership on mental 
health issues. The Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 
2007 would take several important steps toward preparing our Nation to 
effectively address mental health issues in the wake of public health 
emergencies, including potential bioterrorist attacks. We are pleased 
to be introducing this important legislation in anticipation of 
reauthorization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration SAMHSA.

[[Page S6480]]

  I want to acknowledge and thank our partners from the mental health 
community who have collaborated with us and have been working 
diligently on these issues for several years, including the American 
Psychological Association, the American Public Health Association, the 
National Association of Social Workers, and the American Academy of 
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and all the other groups who have lent 
their support.
  The events of September 11, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and other 
recent natural and man-made catastrophes have sadly taught us that our 
current resources are not sufficient or coordinated enough to meet the 
mental health needs of those devastated by emergency events. We need a 
network of trained mental health professionals, first responders and 
leaders, and a process to mobilize and deploy mental health resources 
in a rapid and sustained manner at times of an emergency.
  It is clear that the consequences of emergency events like hurricanes 
or terrorist attacks result in increased emotional and psychological 
suffering among survivors and responders, and we must do more to assist 
all who are affected. That is why I, along with Senator Domenici, am 
introducing the Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 
2007.
  This bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human services to 
establish the National Center for Public Mental Health Emergency 
Preparedness the National Center to coordinate the development and 
delivery of mental health services in collaboration with existing 
Federal, State and local entities when our Nation is confronted with 
public health catastrophes.
  This legislation would charge the National Center with five functions 
to benefit affected Americans at the community level, including 
vulnerable populations like children, older Americans, caregivers, 
persons with disabilities, and persons living in poverty.
  First, the Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 2007 
would make sure we have evidence-based or emerging best practices 
curricula available to meet the diverse training needs of a wide range 
of emergency health professionals, including mental health 
professionals, public health and health care professionals, and 
emergency services personnel, working in coordination with county 
emergency managers, school personnel, spiritual care professionals, and 
State and local government officials responsible for emergency 
preparedness. By using these curricula to educate responders, the 
National Center would build a network of trained emergency health 
professionals at the State and local levels.

  Second, this legislation would establish and maintain a clearinghouse 
of educational materials, guidelines, and research on public mental 
health emergency preparedness and service delivery that would be 
evaluated and updated to ensure the information is accurate and 
current. Technical assistance would be provided to help users access 
those resources most effective for their communities.
  Third, this bill would create an annual national forum for emergency 
health professionals, researchers, and other experts as well as 
Federal, State and local government officials to identify and address 
gaps in science, practice, policy and education related to public 
mental health emergency preparedness and service delivery.
  Fourth, this bill would require annual evaluations of both the 
National Center's efforts and those across the Federal Government in 
building our Nation's public mental health emergency preparedness and 
service delivery capacity. Based on these evaluations, recommendations 
would be made to improve such activities.
  Finally, the Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 2007 
would ensure that licensed mental health professionals are included in 
the deployment of Disaster Medical Assistance Teams DMAT. Deployment of 
licensed mental health professionals will increase the efficacy of the 
medical team members by providing psychological assistance and crisis 
counseling to survivors and to the other DMAT team members. Further, 
this legislation would mandate that licensed mental health 
professionals are included in the leadership of the National Disaster 
Medical System, NDMS, to provide appropriate support for behavioral 
programs and personnel within the DMATs.
  We must not wait until another disaster strikes before we take action 
to improve the way we respond to the psychological needs of affected 
Americans. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to 
ensure passage of this bill that would take critical steps toward 
preparing our nation to successfully deal with the mental health 
consequences of public health emergencies.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text and a letter of support be 
printed in the Record. Thank you.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1452

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Public Mental Health 
     Emergency Preparedness Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 2. NATIONAL CENTER FOR PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY 
                   PREPAREDNESS.

       (a) Technical Amendments.--The second part G (relating to 
     services provided through religious organizations) of title V 
     of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290kk et seq.) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating such part as part J; and
       (2) by redesignating sections 581 through 584 as sections 
     596 through 596C, respectively.
       (b) National Center.--Title V of the Public Health Service 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa et seq.), as amended by subsection (a), 
     is further amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``PART K--NATIONAL CENTER FOR PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY 
                              PREPAREDNESS

     ``SEC. 599. NATIONAL CENTER FOR PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 
                   EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS.

       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Definition.--
       ``(A) In general.--For purposes of this part, the term 
     `emergency health professionals' means--
       ``(i) mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, 
     psychologists, social workers, counselors, psychiatric 
     nurses, psychiatric aides and case managers, group home 
     staff, and those mental health professionals with expertise 
     in psychological trauma and issues related to vulnerable 
     populations such as children, older adults, caregivers, 
     individuals with disabilities, pre-existing mental health and 
     substance abuse disorders, and individuals living in poverty;
       ``(ii) public health and healthcare professionals, 
     including skilled nursing and assisted living professionals; 
     and
       ``(iii) emergency services personnel such as police, fire, 
     and emergency medical services personnel.
       ``(B) Coordination.--In conducting activities under this 
     part, emergency health professionals shall coordinate with--
       ``(i) county emergency managers;
       ``(ii) school personnel such as teachers, counselors, and 
     other personnel;
       ``(iii) spiritual care professionals;
       ``(iv) other disaster relief personnel; and
       ``(v) State and local government officials that are 
     responsible for emergency preparedness.
       ``(2) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, shall establish the National Center for Public 
     Mental Health Emergency Preparedness (referred to in this 
     part as the `NCPMHEP') to address mental health concerns and 
     coordinate and implement the development and delivery of 
     mental health services in conjunction with the entities 
     described in subsection (b)(2), in the event of bioterrorism 
     or other public health emergency.
       ``(3) Location; director.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to award a 
     grant to an eligible institution to provide the location of 
     the NCPMHEP.
       ``(B) Eligible institution.--To be an eligible institution 
     under subparagraph (A), an institution shall--
       ``(i) be an academic medical center or similar institution 
     that has prior experience conducting statewide training, and 
     has a demonstrated record of leadership in national and 
     international forums, in public mental health emergency 
     preparedness, which may include disaster mental health 
     preparedness; and
       ``(ii) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, 
     in such manner, and containing such information as the 
     Secretary may require.
       ``(C) Director.--The NCPMHEP shall be headed by a Director, 
     who shall be appointed by the Secretary (referred to in this 
     part as the `Director') from the eligible institution to 
     which the Secretary awards a grant under subparagraph (A).
       ``(b) Duties.--The NCPMHEP shall--
       ``(1) prepare the Nation's emergency health professionals 
     to provide mental health services in the aftermath of 
     catastrophic events, such as bioterrorism or other public 
     health

[[Page S6481]]

     emergencies, that present psychological consequences for 
     communities and individuals, including vulnerable populations 
     such as children, individuals with disabilities, individuals 
     with preexisting mental health problems (including substance-
     related disorders), older adults, caregivers, and individuals 
     living in poverty;
       ``(2) coordinate with existing mental health preparedness 
     and service delivery efforts of--
       ``(A) Federal agencies (such as the National Disaster 
     Medical System, the Medical Reserve Corps, the Substance 
     Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (including 
     the National Child Traumatic Stress Network), the 
     Administration on Aging, the National Institute of Mental 
     Health, the National Council on Disabilities, the 
     Administration on Children and Families, the Department of 
     Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs (including the 
     National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and 
     tribal nations);
       ``(B) State agencies (such as the State mental health 
     authority, office of substance abuse services, public health 
     authority, department of aging, the office of mental 
     retardation and developmental disabilities, agencies 
     responsible rehabilitation services);
       ``(C) local agencies (such as county offices of mental 
     health and substance abuse services, public health, child and 
     family community-based services, law enforcement, fire, 
     emergency medical services, school districts, Aging Services 
     Network, county emergency management, and academic and 
     community-based service centers affiliated with the National 
     Child Traumatic Stress Network); and
       ``(D) other governmental and nongovernmental disaster 
     relief organizations; and
       ``(3) coordinate with childcare centers, childcare 
     providers, community-based youth serving programs (including 
     local Center for Mental Health Services children's systems of 
     care grant sites), Head Start, the National Child Traumatic 
     Stress Network, and school districts to provide--
       ``(A) support services to adults and their family members 
     with mental health and substance-related disorders to 
     facilitate access to mental health and substance-related 
     treatment;
       ``(B) prevention and intervention services for mental 
     health and substance-related disorders to youth of all ages 
     that integrate the training curricula under section 599A; and
       ``(C) resources and consultation to address the 
     psychological trauma needs of the families, caregivers, 
     emergency health professionals; and all other professionals 
     providing care in emergency situations.
       ``(c) Panel of Experts.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director, in consultation with 
     Federal (such as the National Association of State Mental 
     Health Program Directors, National Association of County and 
     City Health Officials, and the Association of State and 
     Territorial Health Officials), State, and local mental health 
     and public health authorities, shall develop a mechanism to 
     appoint a panel of experts for the NCPMHEP.
       ``(2) Membership.--
       ``(A) In general.--The panel of experts appointed under 
     paragraph (1) shall be composed of individuals--
       ``(i) who are--

       ``(I) experts in their respective fields with extensive 
     experience in public mental health emergency preparedness or 
     service delivery, such as mental health professionals, 
     researchers, spiritual care professionals, school counselors, 
     educators, and mental health professionals who are emergency 
     health professionals (as defined in subsection (a)(1)(A)) and 
     who shall coordinate with the individuals described in 
     subsection (a)(1)(B); and
       ``(II) recommended by their respective national 
     professional organizations and universities to such a 
     position; and

       ``(ii) who represent families with family members who have 
     mental health and substance-related disorders.
       ``(B) Terms.--The members of the panel of experts appointed 
     under paragraph (1)--
       ``(i) shall be appointed for a term of 3 years; and
       ``(ii) may be reappointed for an unlimited number of terms.
       ``(C) Balance of composition.--The Director shall ensure 
     that the membership composition of the panel of experts 
     fairly represents a balance of the type and number of experts 
     described under subparagraph (A).
       ``(D) Vacancies.--
       ``(i) In general.--A vacancy on the panel of experts shall 
     be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was 
     made and shall be subject to conditions which applied with 
     respect to the original appointment.
       ``(ii) Filling unexpired term.--An individual chosen to 
     fill a vacancy shall be appointed for the unexpired term of 
     the member replaced.
       ``(iii) Expiration of terms.--The term of any member shall 
     not expire before the date on which the member's successor 
     takes office.

     ``SEC. 599A. TRAINING CURRICULA FOR EMERGENCY HEALTH 
                   PROFESSIONALS.

       ``(a) Convening of Group.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall convene a Training 
     Curricula Working Group from the panel of experts described 
     in section 599(c) to--
       ``(A) identify and review existing mental health training 
     curricula for emergency health professionals;
       ``(B) approve any such training curricula that are 
     evidence-based or emerging best practices and that satisfy 
     practice and service delivery standards determined by the 
     Training Curricula Working Group; and
       ``(C) make recommendations for, and participate in, the 
     development of any additional training curricula, as 
     determined necessary by the Training Curricula Working Group.
       ``(2) Collaboration.--The Training Curricula Working Group 
     shall collaborate with appropriate organizations including 
     the American Red Cross, the National Child Traumatic Stress 
     Network, the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress 
     Disorder, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress 
     Studies.
       ``(b) Purpose of Training Curricula.--The Training 
     Curricula Working Group shall ensure that the training 
     curricula approved by the NCPMHEP--
       ``(1) provide the knowledge and skills necessary to respond 
     effectively to the psychological needs of affected 
     individuals, relief personnel, and communities in the event 
     of bioterrorism or other public health emergency; and
       ``(2) is used to build a trained network of emergency 
     health professionals at the State and local levels.
       ``(c) Content of Training Curricula.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Training Curricula Working Group 
     shall ensure that the training curricula approved by the 
     NCPMHEP--
       ``(A) prepares emergency health professionals, in the event 
     of bioterrorism or other public health emergency, for 
     identifying symptoms of psychological trauma, supplying 
     immediate relief to keep affected persons safe, recognizing 
     when to refer affected persons for further mental healthcare 
     or substance abuse treatment, understanding how and where to 
     refer for such care, and other components as determined by 
     the Director in consultation with the Training Curricula 
     Working Group;
       ``(B) includes training or informational material designed 
     to educate and prepare State and local government officials, 
     in the event of bioterrorism or other public health 
     emergency, in coordinating and deploying mental health 
     resources and services and in addressing other mental health 
     needs, as determined by the Director in consultation with the 
     Training Curricula Working Group;
       ``(C) meets the diverse training needs of the range of 
     emergency health professionals; and
       ``(D) is culturally and linguistically competent.
       ``(2) Review of curricula.--The Training Curricula Working 
     Group shall routinely review existing training curricula and 
     participate in the revision of the training curricula 
     described under this section as necessary, taking into 
     consideration recommendations made by the participants of the 
     annual national forum under section 599D and the Assessment 
     Working Group described under section 599E.
       ``(d) Training Individuals.--
       ``(1) Field trainers.--The Director, in consultation with 
     the Training Curricula Working Group, shall develop a 
     mechanism through which qualified individuals trained through 
     the curricula approved by the NCPMHEP return to their 
     communities to recruit and train others in their respective 
     fields to serve on local emergency response teams.
       ``(2) Field leaders.--The Director, in consultation with 
     the Training Curricula Working Group, shall develop a 
     mechanism through which qualified individuals trained in 
     curricula approved by the NCPMHEP return to their communities 
     to provide expertise to State and local government agencies 
     to mobilize the mental health infrastructure of such State or 
     local agencies, including ensuring that mental health is a 
     component of emergency preparedness and service delivery of 
     such agencies.
       ``(3) Qualifications.--The individuals selected under 
     paragraph (1) or (2) shall--
       ``(A) pass a designated evaluation, as developed by the 
     Director in consultation with the Training Curricula Working 
     Group; and
       ``(B) meet other qualifications as determined by the 
     Director in consultation with the Training Curricula Working 
     Group.

     ``SEC. 599B. USE OF REGISTRIES TO TRACK TRAINED EMERGENCY 
                   HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Director, in consultation with the 
     mental and public health authorities of each State and 
     appropriate organizations (including the National Child 
     Traumatic Stress Network), shall coordinate the use of 
     existing emergency registries (including the Emergency System 
     for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals 
     (ESAR-VHP)) established to track medical and mental health 
     volunteers across all fields and specifically to track the 
     individuals in the State who have been trained using the 
     curricula approved by the NCPMHEP under section 599A. The 
     Director shall ensure that the data available through such 
     registries and used to track such trained individuals will be 
     recoverable and available in the event that such registries 
     become inoperable.
       ``(b) Use of Registry.--The tracking procedure under 
     subsection (a) shall be used by the Secretary, the Secretary 
     of Homeland Security, and the Governor of each State, for the 
     recruitment and deployment of trained emergency health 
     professionals in the event of bioterrorism or other public 
     health emergency.

[[Page S6482]]

     ``SEC. 599C. CLEARINGHOUSE FOR PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY 
                   PREPAREDNESS AND SERVICE DELIVERY.

       ``(a) In General.--The Director shall establish and 
     maintain a central clearinghouse of educational materials, 
     guidelines, information, strategies, resources, and research 
     on public mental health emergency preparedness and service 
     delivery.
       ``(b) Duties.--The Director shall ensure that the 
     clearinghouse--
       ``(1) enables emergency health professionals and other 
     members of the public to increase their awareness and 
     knowledge of public mental health emergency preparedness and 
     service delivery, particularly for vulnerable populations 
     such as children, individuals with disabilities, individuals 
     with pre-existing mental health problems (including 
     substance-related disorders), older adults, caregivers, and 
     individuals living in poverty; and
       ``(2) provides such users with access to a range of public 
     mental health emergency resources and strategies to address 
     their community's unique circumstances and to improve their 
     skills and capacities for addressing mental health problems 
     in the event of bioterrorism or other public health 
     emergency.
       ``(c) Availability.--The Director shall ensure that the 
     clearinghouse--
       ``(1) is available on the Internet;
       ``(2) includes an interactive forum through which users' 
     questions are addressed;
       ``(3) is fully versed in resources available from 
     additional Government-sponsored or other relevant websites 
     that supply information on public mental health emergency 
     preparedness and service delivery; and
       ``(4) includes the training curricula approved by the 
     NCPMHEP under section 599A.
       ``(d) Clearinghouse Working Group.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall convene a 
     Clearinghouse Working Group from the panel of experts 
     described under section 599(c) to--
       ``(A) evaluate the educational materials, guidelines, 
     information, strategies, resources and research maintained in 
     the clearinghouse to ensure empirical validity; and
       ``(B) offer technical assistance to users of the 
     clearinghouse with respect to finding and selecting the 
     information and resources available through the clearinghouse 
     that would most effectively serve their community's needs in 
     preparing for, and delivering mental health services during, 
     bioterrorism or other public health emergencies.
       ``(2) Technical assistance.--The technical assistance 
     described under paragraph (1) shall include the use of 
     information from the clearinghouse to provide consultation, 
     direction, and guidance to State and local governments and 
     public and private agencies on the development of public 
     mental health emergency plans for activities involving 
     preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, and evaluation.

     ``SEC. 599D. ANNUAL NATIONAL FORUM FOR PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 
                   EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND SERVICE DELIVERY.

       ``(a) In General.--The Director shall organize an annual 
     national forum to address public mental health emergency 
     preparedness and service delivery for emergency health 
     professionals, researchers, scientists, experts in public 
     mental health emergency preparedness and service delivery, 
     and mental health professionals (including those with 
     expertise in psychological trauma and issues related to 
     vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, 
     caregivers, individuals with disabilities, pre-existing 
     mental health and substance abuse disorders, and individuals 
     living in poverty), as well as personnel from relevant 
     Federal (including the National Center for Post Traumatic 
     Stress Disorder), State, and local agencies (including 
     academic and community-based service centers affiliated with 
     the National Child Traumatic Stress Network), and other 
     governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
       ``(b) Purpose of Forum.--The national forum shall provide 
     the framework for bringing such individuals together to, 
     based on evidence-based or emerging best practices research 
     and practice, identify and address gaps in science, practice, 
     policy, and education, make recommendations for the revision 
     of training curricula and for the enhancement of mental 
     health interventions, as appropriate, and make other 
     recommendations as necessary.

     ``SEC. 599E. EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC MENTAL 
                   HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND SERVICE 
                   DELIVERY EFFORTS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Director shall convene an Assessment 
     Working Group from the panel of experts described in section 
     599(c), who shall be independent from those individuals who 
     have developed the NCPMHEP, to evaluate the effectiveness of 
     the NCPMHEP's efforts and those across the Federal Government 
     in building the Nation's public mental health emergency 
     preparedness and service delivery capacity. Such group shall 
     include individuals who have expertise on how to assess the 
     effectiveness of the NCPMHEP's efforts on vulnerable 
     populations (such as children, older adults, caregivers, 
     individuals with disabilities, pre-existing mental health and 
     substance abuse disorders, and individuals living in 
     poverty).
       ``(b) Duties of the Assessment Working Group.--The 
     Assessment Working Group shall--
       ``(1) evaluate--
       ``(A) the effectiveness of each component of the NCPMHEP, 
     including the identification and development of training 
     curricula, the clearinghouse, and the annual national forum;
       ``(B) the effects of the training curricula on the skills, 
     knowledge, and attitudes of emergency health professionals 
     and on their delivery of mental health services in the event 
     of bioterrorism or other public health emergency;
       ``(C) the effects of the NCPMHEP on the capacities of State 
     and local government agencies to coordinate, mobilize, and 
     deploy resources and to deliver mental health services in the 
     event of bioterrorism or other public health emergency; and
       ``(D) other issues as determined by the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Assessment Working Group; and
       ``(2) submit the annual report required under subsection 
     (c).
       ``(c) Annual Report and Information.--
       ``(1) Annual report.--On an annual basis, the Assessment 
     Working Group shall--
       ``(A) report to the Secretary and appropriate committees of 
     Congress the results of the evaluation by the Assessment 
     Working Group under this section; and
       ``(B) publish and disseminate the results of such 
     evaluation on as wide a basis as is practicable, including 
     through the NCPMHEP clearinghouse website under section 599C.
       ``(2) Information.--The results of the evaluation under 
     paragraph (1) shall be displayed on the Internet websites of 
     all entities with representatives participating in the 
     Assessment Working Group under this section, including the 
     Federal agencies responsible for funding the Working Group.
       ``(d) Recommendations.--
       ``(1) In general.--Based on the annual report, the 
     Director, in consultation with the Assessment Working Group, 
     shall make recommendations to the Secretary--
       ``(A) for improving--
       ``(i) the training curricula identified and approved by the 
     NCPMHEP;
       ``(ii) the NCPMHEP clearinghouse; and
       ``(iii) the annual forum of the NCPMHEP; and
       ``(B) regarding any other matter related to improving 
     mental health preparedness and service delivery in the event 
     of bioterrorism or other public health emergency in the 
     United States through the NCPMHEP.
       ``(2) Action by secretary.--Based on the recommendations 
     provided under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit 
     recommendations to Congress for any legislative changes 
     necessary to implement such recommendations.

     ``SEC. 599F. SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

       ``For purposes of this part, where ever there is a 
     reference to providing treatment, having expertise, or 
     provide training with respect to mental health, such 
     reference shall include providing treatment, having 
     expertise, or providing training relating to substance abuse, 
     if determined appropriate by the Secretary.

     ``SEC. 599G. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     part--
       ``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       ``(2) such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2008 
     through 2011.''.

     SEC. 3. DISASTER MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TEAMS.

       Section 2812(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
     300hh-11(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Disaster medical assistance teams and mental health 
     professionals.--
       ``(A) Inclusion of mental health professionals.--
       ``(i) In general.--The National Disaster Medical System, in 
     consultation with the National Center for Public Mental 
     Health Emergency Preparedness (established under section 599) 
     and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, shall--

       ``(I) identify licensed mental health professionals with 
     expertise in treating vulnerable populations, as identified 
     under section 599(b)(1); and
       ``(II) ensure that licensed mental health professionals 
     identified under subclause (I) are available in local 
     communities for deployment with Disaster Medical Assistance 
     Teams (including speciality mental health teams).

       ``(ii) Coordination.--The National Disaster Medical System 
     shall ensure that licensed mental health professionals are 
     included in the leadership of the National Disaster Medical 
     System, in coordination with the National Center for Public 
     Mental Health Emergency, to provide appropriate leadership 
     support for behavioral programs and personnel within the 
     Disaster Medical Assistance Teams.
       ``(B) Duties.--The principal duties of the licensed mental 
     health professionals identified and utilized under this 
     paragraph shall be to assist Disaster Medical Assistance 
     Teams in carrying out--
       ``(i) rapid psychological triage during an event of 
     bioterrorism or other public health emergency;
       ``(ii) crisis intervention prior to and during an event of 
     bioterrorism or other public health emergency;
       ``(iii) information dissemination and referral to specialty 
     care for survivors of an event of bioterrorism or other 
     public health emergency;
       ``(iv) data collection; and
       ``(v) follow-up consultations.
       ``(C) Training.--The National Disaster Medical System shall 
     coordinate with the National Center for Public Mental Health

[[Page S6483]]

     Emergency Preparedness to ensure that, as part of their 
     training, Disaster Medical Assistance Teams include the 
     training curricula for emergency health professionals 
     established under section 599A.
       ``(D) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
       ``(i) Disaster medical assistance teams.--The term 
     `Disaster Medical Assistance Teams' means teams of 
     professional medical personnel that provide emergency medical 
     care during a disaster or public health emergency.
       ``(ii) Rapid psychological triage.--The term `rapid 
     psychological triage' means the accurate and rapid 
     identification of individuals at varied levels of risk in the 
     aftermath of a public health emergency, in order to provide 
     the appropriate, acute intervention for those affected 
     individuals.
       ``(iii) Data collection.--The term `data collection' means 
     the use of standardized, consistent, and accurate methods to 
     report evidence-based or emerging best practices, triage 
     mental health data obtained from survivors of an event of 
     bioterrorism or other public health emergency.''.
                                  ____

                                                          American


                                    Psychological Association,

                                                     May 22, 2007.
     Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Pete V. Domenici,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senators Clinton and Domenici: On behalf of the 
     148,000 members and affiliates of the American Psychological 
     Association (APA), I am writing to express our strong support 
     for the Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 
     2007. This important legislation would significantly enhance 
     our preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to address 
     the mental health aspects of disasters and public health 
     emergencies.
       Both human made and natural disasters can have significant 
     effects on the mental health and well-being of individuals, 
     families, and communities. Among the most common mental 
     health problems encountered by disaster survivors are 
     posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, 
     and increased alcohol, tobacco, and substance use. For many, 
     the psychological effects of disasters may be temporary, 
     while others may require more long-term mental health 
     assistance.
       The Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 2007 
     would take several important steps toward enhancing our 
     Nation's public mental health preparedness and response 
     efforts in the event of a public health emergency. In 
     particular, this legislation would establish a National 
     Center for Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness to 
     prepare for and address the immediate and long-term mental 
     health needs of the general population and potentially 
     vulnerable subgroups, including children, individuals with 
     disabilities, individuals with pre-existing mental health 
     problems, older adults, caregivers, and individuals living in 
     poverty. This center would undertake several important 
     activities, including developing and disseminating training 
     curricula for emergency mental health professionals, 
     establishing a clearinghouse of mental health emergency 
     resources, organizing an annual national forum on mental 
     health emergency preparedness and response, and ensuring the 
     inclusion of mental health professionals within Disaster 
     Medical Assistance Teams.
       We commend you for your leadership and commitment to public 
     mental health preparedness and look forward to working with 
     you to ensure enactment of the Public Mental Health Emergency 
     Preparedness Act. If we can be of further assistance, please 
     feel free to contact Diane Elmore, Ph.D., in our Government 
     Relations Office.
           Sincerely,
     Gwendolyn Puryear Keita, Ph.D.,
                                               Executive Director,
     Public Interest Directorate.
                                  ____



                           American Public Health Association,

                                     Washington, DC, May 15, 2007.
     Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Clinton: On behalf of the American Public 
     Health Association (APHA), the oldest, largest and most 
     diverse organization of public health professionals in the 
     world, dedicated to protecting all Americans and their 
     communities from preventable, serious health threats and 
     assuring community-based health promotion and disease 
     prevention activities and preventive health services are 
     universally accessible in the United States, I write in 
     support of the Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness 
     Act of 2007.
       Despite recent efforts to improve all-hazards preparedness 
     in this country, the lack of mental health services available 
     to victims of public health emergencies remains troubling. As 
     lessons learned from the hurricanes of 2005 and essentials to 
     adequately prepare for and respond to a flu pandemic are 
     incorporated into national, state and local all-hazards 
     preparedness plans, we must also ensure that mental health 
     emergency preparedness and delivery is integrated into all of 
     these plans, including the HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan and 
     the National Response Plan. To ensure that this happens, APHA 
     supports the provisions in this bill that would require the 
     inclusion of mental health professionals in National Disaster 
     Medical System (NDMS) leadership and Disaster Medical 
     Assistance Teams.
       To ensure that public health preparedness and response 
     activities are comprehensive and incorporate mental health 
     needs and realities, APHA supports the creation of a National 
     Center for Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness 
     (NCPMHEP) outlined in your legislation. The NCPMHEP would be 
     able to use existing data to train emergency health 
     professionals in the provision of mental health services, 
     coordinate mental health preparedness and response activities 
     with federal, state and local partners and ensure that 
     trained professionals in mental health service delivery can 
     be identified and quickly mobilized.
       Thank you for your attention to and leadership on this 
     important public health issue. We look forward to working 
     with you to move this legislation forward this Congress. If 
     you have questions, or for additional information, please 
     contact me or have your staff contact Courtney Perlino (202) 
     777-2436 or [email protected].
           Sincerely,

                                      Georges C. Benjamin, MD,

                                           FACP, FACEP (Emeritus),
     Executive Director.
                                  ____

                                           National Association of


                                               Social Workers,

                                     Washington, DC, May 22, 2007.
     Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Clinton: I am writing on behalf of the 
     National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the largest 
     professional social work organization in the world with 
     150,000 members nationwide. NASW promotes, develops, and 
     protects the effective practice of social work services 
     throughout the country. NASW strongly supports the ``Public 
     Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 2007,'' and is 
     pleased to endorse it. We greatly appreciate your attention 
     and that of Senator Domenici to the important but often 
     neglected needs of emergency preparedness in mental health 
     services. NASW is particularly pleased to see that social 
     workers and other behavioral health professions would have an 
     enhanced role in the Nation's disaster response teams through 
     the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS).
       NASW, both nationally and in state chapters, was a resource 
     for the identification of trained mental health professionals 
     during the Hurricane Katrina aftermath. In addition, several 
     NASW state chapters worked with local Red Cross organization 
     to ensure that mental health services were made available to 
     hurricane victims in affected states. We recognize the need 
     to be prepared to provide mental health training in 
     emergencies and the steps that are required to ensure the 
     availability of a wide network of trained professionals with 
     the skills to provide emergency mental health evaluation and 
     triage. We also understand the importance of providing 
     emergency mental health services.
       Your tireless efforts on behalf of consumers of behavioral 
     health services and professional social workers nationwide 
     are greatly appreciated by our members. We thank you for your 
     sponsorship of this legislation. NASW looks forward to 
     working with you on this and future issues of mutual concern.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Carolyn Polowy,
     General Counsel.
                                  ____

                                               American Academy of


                                Child & Adolescent Psychiatry,

                                     Washington, DC, May 22, 2007.
     Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton,
     Russell Senate Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Clinton: On behalf of the American Academy of 
     Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), I write in support 
     of the Public Mental Health Emergency Preparedness Act of 
     2007. The AACAP is a medical membership association 
     established by child and adolescent psychiatrists in 1953. 
     Now over 7,000 members strong, the AACAP is the leading 
     national medical association dedicated to treating and 
     improving the quality of life for the estimated 7-12 million 
     American youth under 18 years of age who are affected by 
     emotional, behavioral, developmental and mental disorders. 
     AACAP supports research, continuing medical education and 
     access to quality care.
       Tragic events, such as September 11 and Hurricane Katrina 
     are devastating to the mental health of children and 
     adolescents and could have significant alterations in child 
     and adolescent development. Changes in environmental and 
     societal patterns of parenting, socialization, education, 
     maturation, acculturation, and technology due to a traumatic 
     event all have significant ramifications. Too often mental 
     health services for children are fragmented. This bill 
     addresses the need to coordinate the delivery of mental 
     health services in times of public health emergencies, which 
     AACAP recognizes as elements of the treatment process.
       It is your continued leadership that will help ensure a 
     bright future for today's youth and the continued assurance 
     of mentally healthy Americans. We look forward to working 
     with you on this most important issue. Please contact Kristin 
     Kroeger Ptakowski Director of Government Affairs, at 
     202.966.7300, x. 108 if you have any questions concerning 
     children's mental health issues.
           Sincerely,
                                              Thomas Anders, M.D.,
                                                        President.




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