Blunt Rochester Introduces Bill on Healing Trauma Associated with Violence

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) introduced the Investing in Community Healing Act of 2020. The bill would connect communities of color with community-based organizations to create better access to trauma-informed, culturally competent mental and behavioral health services while promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma.

"With the passage of the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act of 2020 in June, the House of Representatives took a critical step in bringing about the increased transparency, improved training, and real accountability for law enforcement that the American people are demanding. However, we still must address the trauma that impacts the mental health of communities of color when there's a violent incident with law enforcement," said Rep. Blunt Rochester. "Whether it's from personal experience or exposure to images and videos of violent encounters between Black Americans and law enforcement, trauma from these experiences can take both a mental and physical toll on communities. Our nation must not only address systemic and institutional racism but provide communities with the resources and tools to heal from it."

The Investing in Community Healing Act of 2020 would:

Require HHS to conduct research on the health consequences of trauma-related to violence committed by law enforcement
Provide $20 million in grants to community-based organizations to establish or expand access to culturally competent, trauma-informed mental and behavioral health services
Develop an outreach and education campaign to promote awareness of mental and behavioral health and reduce stigma among communities of color

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