It is on rare occasion that the United States House of Representatives passes anything of note, let alone passes a bill by almost unanimous decision. The bill: H.R.2646 - To make available needed psychiatric, psychological, and supportive services for individuals with mental illness and families in mental health crisis, and for other purposes; or Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016 for short.

The bill which was passed 422-2, is the largest mental health care related bill passed in nearly 40 years. The bill provides more beds for temporary housing of peoples in mental crisis; beds which are direly needed.and expands the rights of parents whose children are over 18 but severely mentally ill via a change to HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) which dictates restrictions on the transmission and communications of private information.

One in five adults in America experience a mental illness, and nearly one in twenty-five adults in America live with a serious mental illness. Nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness haven't received mental health services in over a year. African Americans and Hispanic Americans use mental health services at one half, and one third the rate of whites respectively. SOURCE.

Passed by the House on July 14th, the bill now must be passed by the Senate and signed by the President in order to take effect.

If this bill is something you care about, and it should be, then contact your senator and let them know they should pass the bill.

You can more about mental illness and mental healthcare here.