BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced bipartisan legislation she helped introduce that would address mental health challenges in North Dakota by bolstering state and local programs.

As North Dakota has faced increased mental health challenges as there have been more instances of drug abuse and domestic violence, Heitkamp’s bipartisan Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act would seek solutions to help address mental and behavioral health challenges. The bill would provide increased support for suicide prevention and intervention programs, boost training teachers and school personnel to identify and better understand mental illness, and help children recover from traumatic events.

“Almost everywhere I go in North Dakota the issue of behavioral and mental health comes up – whether it’s addressing depression, supporting children exposed to trauma, helping those struggling with addiction, or preventing suicide,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why I have been working with folks at the local, state and federal levels to make sure communities have the tools they need to deliver behavioral and mental health services. The bipartisan bill I helped introduce would play a critical role in addressing North Dakota’s challenges and helping make sure that all North Dakotans have the support they need to succeed.” 

During debate of the Senate No Child Left Behind reform legislation, Heitkamp worked with both sides of the aisle to restore critical access to mental health integration resources for schools in North Dakota and across the country – including those on tribal lands. The activities would provide support for suicide, bullying, and violence prevention, as well as mental health and trauma resources, so schools have the opportunity to work with health systems and higher education to provide effective conflict resolutions and healthy learning environments for students and families.

In September 2014, Heitkamp launched her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to help address some of the emerging safety challenges facing the state by bringing a greater focus to keeping North Dakota's communities strong and families safe in their homes. One of the key focuses of Heitkamp’s Strong & Safe Communities Initiative is to work with community leaders and advocates to address the state’s behavioral and mental health challenges. Heitkamp has also been working to reduce the effects of traumatic stress and provide mental health support among young people – particularly in Native communities, where rates of youth suicide are staggering.

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