The ACCESS in Mental Health Act would create two new federal grant programs to expand mental health training and workforce development at colleges serving minority communities. The first program provides grants of at least $500,000 to historically Black colleges, tribal colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving schools to establish or improve graduate programs in mental and behavioral health fields, with at least five percent of funds going toward student scholarships. The second program provides $10,000 annual grants directly to students pursuing graduate degrees in mental health professions at these institutions. The legislation aims to address shortages in the mental health workforce by training more culturally competent professionals, particularly those willing to work in underserved areas, with special emphasis on culturally responsive and trauma-informed care practices. The bill authorizes whatever funding is necessary for these grant programs in future fiscal years and requires the Secretary of Education to report on program progress every two years.
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