There is so much partisanship and division in our politics that it often seems like a miracle when elected officials can set aside party labels for the greater good. As your U.S. Senator, I’ve worked to find common ground to produce results – even when it isn’t always popular with my own party.

 

One of the results I’m proudest of is helping negotiate, write, and pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), landmark legislation that President Biden signed into law last year. BSCA is the largest investment in community-based mental health and substance use care in American history.

 

The unprecedented investment of more than $13 billion in mental health, school safety, and crisis intervention programs is already producing results across North Carolina. I’ve been focused on working directly with state and local leaders to make sure North Carolina becomes a role model for successfully implementing the evidence-based mental and behavioral health programs and support services included in BSCA. 

 

Continuing this momentum, I was proud to be the lead Republican in launching the Bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus this month. This bipartisan caucus will provide a platform for senators to work collaboratively to reduce the stigma around mental health, raise awareness about the new funding and resources provided by BSCA, and encourage our elected officials to continue working together to make additional improvements to our mental health care system.

 

 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please know that help is available. Call or text 988, which provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress regardless of where you live.

 

Mental health is truly one of the biggest challenges facing our nation. It impacts every North Carolinian directly or indirectly. I’ll keep working across the aisle to break the stigma and provide the necessary funding and support to ensure all Americans have access to the care they need and deserve.