MINDS Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Mar 10, 2023)
Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings Act or the MINDS Act
This bill authorizes and requires certain actions by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to integrate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities across U.S. development and humanitarian assistance programs.
The bill authorizes USAID to designate an MHPSS coordinator. The coordinator's duties include (1) guiding, overseeing, and directing MHPSS programming and integration across U.S. development and humanitarian assistance programs; and (2) promoting best practices, coordination, and reporting in MHPSS across such programs. Focus populations for the coordinator include adult caretakers, children separated from a family unit, and displaced populations.
In addition, the bill establishes a working group comprised of representatives from relevant USAID bureaus, the Department of State, and other federal agencies. The purpose of the working group is to ensure continuity and integration of MHPSS across U.S. development and humanitarian assistance programs.
The provisions of the bill expire five years after enactment.
What just happenedMar 10, 2023
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseMar 10, 2023
- Mar 10, 2023IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Affairs Committee - Mar 10, 2023IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Mar 10, 2023IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House