Washington, DC – Congressman William J. Jefferson (D-La.) introduced four bills designed to help restore the mental health care industry in New Orleans, which was greatly weakened in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  Since the storm, more than 60% of mental health care professionals left the greater New Orleans area.

    Congressman Jefferson said, “We can still see the physical destruction left by Katrina even now, 22 months later.  But what’s not in plain sight is the emotional distress and trauma that such a catastrophic event can spur.  Many mental issues- like depression- are treatable.  These bills could help get families- particularly adolescents and children- the services they need so they can lead more productive lives during such a difficult time.”

The bills introduced by Congressman Jefferson today are as follows:

• HR 2644  Medicare Marriage and Family Therapist Services Improvement Act   
  This bill would amend title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for marriage and family therapist services. 
  
  
• HR 2645 The Judicial Initiative Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Improvement Act
  This bill would provide for the training of officers and employees of the state  juvenile justice system in the areas of mental health and substance abuse.  They could then offer advice and treatment to juveniles they come in contact with.  It would also require the Attorney General to make grants for the establishment  and implementation of a program for juveniles who are in correctional facilities  who have mental health or substance abuse problems.
  
  
• HR 2646 The Mental Health Services in Public Health Emergencies Act
  This measure would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support programs to promote mental health among all children and their families  and to provide early intervention services to identify mental health problems  early in children.
  
  
• HR 2647 The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Juveniles Act
  This measure would allow the Secretary to award grants to increase the coordination and development of disaster preparedness efforts relating to the needs of children.