[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 127 (Thursday, July 24, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mr. Gallego, Mr. Heinrich, and Ms. 
        Hirono):
  S. 2446. 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. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Mental Health for 
Latinos Act to boost our continued efforts to reduce stigma and promote 
mental wellness, while meeting the diverse needs of Latino communities 
across the country.
  This bill would require SAMHSA to develop a strategy to increases 
awareness of symptoms of mental illnesses and provide information on 
evidence-based interventions and treatments that are culturally and 
linguistically appropriate.
  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. Only 47.4 percent of Hispanic adults ages 18 or older 
with any mental illness received services in 2023. Between 2010 and 
2020, the suicide rate among male Hispanic adults, ages 20 to 64, 
increased by 35.7 percent and the female rate increased by 40.6 
percent.
  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 Salinas 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 quickly as possible.
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