[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Mr. Menendez):
  S. 2476. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for 
a behavioral and mental health outreach and education strategy to 
reduce stigma associated with mental health among the Hispanic and 
Latino population, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, 
Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Mental Health 
for Latinos Act. This important bill would boost our continued efforts 
to reduce stigma and promote mental wellness, while meeting the diverse 
needs of Latino communities across the country.
  In response to the mental health crisis in the Latino community, this 
legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to 
develop a strategy to provide information on evidence-based practices, 
interventions, and treatments that are culturally and linguistically 
appropriate and increases awareness of symptoms of mental illnesses 
common among such populations, considering differences within 
subgroups, such as gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, 
race, or ethnicity.
  The evidence is clear: We are experiencing a mental health crisis in 
the Latino community. Disparities within our healthcare system are 
preventing members of Latino communities from receiving lifesaving 
mental health services.
  These barriers to care are causing too many to suffer in silence, and 
this must change. Presently, only 36.1 percent of Latino adults aged 18 
or older with a mental illness received services in 2021, compared to 
the U.S. average of 47.2 percent. Between 2010 and 2020, the suicide 
rate among male Latino adults ages 20 to 64 increased by 35.7 percent, 
and the female rate increased by 40.6 percent. Even those who are able 
to access services rarely receive the effective, culturally competent 
care they need.
  This bill would further our continued efforts to reduce stigma and 
promote mental wellness, while meeting the diverse needs of Latino 
populations across the country. As our Nation confronts an unfolding 
mental health crisis, this critical legislation reinforces the timeless 
message that there is zero shame in asking for help and that seeking 
support is a sign of strength.
  I would like to thank Congresswoman Napolitano for leading this 
legislation in the House of Representatives, and I look forward to 
working with my colleagues to enact the Mental Health for Latinos Act 
as soon as possible.
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