H.R. 4744: Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2025, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance community mental wellness and resilience. It focuses on preventing and addressing mental health, behavioral health, and psychosocial issues through culturally and developmentally appropriate programs within communities.

Grant Program for Community Mental Wellness

The bill establishes a grant program for community mental wellness and resilience initiatives, which will include:

• Planning Grants: Up to $250,000 will be provided to eligible organizations for organizing networks to promote mental wellness, assessing community needs, and preparing larger grant applications.
• Program Grants: Up to $500,000 per year for four years will be awarded to mental wellness networks to establish or expand programs aimed at enhancing community mental health.
• Rural Set Aside: 20% of the funds will be reserved for rural community programs.

Program Requirements

Programs funded through this initiative must take a public health approach that includes:

• Collecting and analyzing community data to identify protective and risk factors.
• Strengthening protective factors and mitigating risk factors.
• Building community awareness and skills for mental health promotion and prevention.
• Creating a comprehensive strategic plan for engaging the community in mental wellness activities.

Resilience Coordinating Network

The bill defines a resilience coordinating network as a group of individuals representing various sectors, such as:

• Community organizations, schools, and youth programs.
• Family and educational programs.
• Faith organizations.
• Environmental and social justice groups.
• Public safety and health professionals.

Technical Assistance

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will provide technical assistance to help eligible organizations apply for grants and share best practices from successful networks.

Reporting

By December 31, 2030, a report will be submitted to Congress summarizing the results and best practices from grantees, as well as the outcomes achieved by the funded programs.

Funding

The bill authorizes a total of $36 million for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to implement these programs. A maximum of 5% of the allocated funds can be used for technical assistance.

Definitions

Several key terms are defined in the bill, including:

• Community: Refers to people and organizations within a specific geographic area.
• Community Trauma: Shared traumatic events that negatively affect community health.
• Protective Factors: Strengths and resources that enhance resilience and well-being.
• Mental Wellness: A state of positive emotional functioning and well-being.

Relevant Companies

None found.