$5 Million for RHC Behavioral Health Initiative Included in House Appropriations Report

Sarah Hohman, Deputy Director of Government Affairs

We are excited to share that the just-released House Committee on Appropriations report, which serves as an explanation of the appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies, includes $5 million to support expanded access to behavioral health services at rural health clinics, as described in President Biden’s 2023 budget request.

As we announced following the release of the proposed budget, the initiative is intended to “allow clinics in rural areas where there are no existing behavioral health providers to fund the salary of a behavioral health provider, address provider burnout, and expand the availability of services such as mental health screenings, counseling, and therapy.”

Over the last few months, NARHC has communicated our support of this initiative to the relevant House and Senate committees, through various advocacy letters and meetings with key members. We’ve worked collaboratively with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) who are united in support of this initiative to support the behavioral health needs of our rural communities.

Congress is still several months away from passing the final appropriations package, however this is a very positive first step in securing the first congressionally appropriated grant for RHCs! We will continue to advocate on this important provision and provide updates to the RHC community.