Urge Congress to Pass the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act (CMWRA)
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
(Last updated 03/25/26)
America is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Nearly 23% of U.S. adults (approximately 60 million people) experienced a diagnosed mental illness in 2024, with costs reaching a staggering $280 billion annually. This financial burden is comparable to experiencing an economic recession every single year, while the human cost remains immeasurable.
Increasingly frequent extreme weather events have amplified the crisis. From 2011 to 2024, 99.5% of congressional districts experienced at least one federally declared major natural disaster. While these events cause physical damage, mental health impacts often outweigh physical injuries by 40 to 1.
The bipartisan Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2025 (HR 4744), introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Don Bacon (R-NE), along with Senator Edward Markey (D-MA), offers a transformative approach to this crisis.
“Community is medicine for our nation's current epidemic of mental health and psychosocial problems,” said Bob Doppelt, International Transformational Resilience Coalition Coordinator. “We strongly support the landmark bipartisan Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act because it is vital to actively engage communities in preventing and healing social, psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues resulting from accelerating toxic stresses, emergencies, and disasters.”
This legislation takes a proactive, population-level, public health approach. It establishes a competitive grant program at the Department of Health and Human Services to support community-based initiatives that use public health strategies to build mental wellness and resilience before crises occur.
Research demonstrates that community-led prevention initiatives deliver remarkable returns on investment. The Communities That Care Model returned $5.31 for every $1 invested, while Washington's Community Public Health and Safety Networks saved $35 for every $1 invested.
“We know how to build strong, resilient communities,” said Becky Turner, Director of Community Engagement for the Community Resilience Initiative in Walla Walla, WA. “We follow the science, and we put our focus on weaving trauma-informed and resilience-based practices into the very fabric of our community.”
The legislation represents a crucial investment in America’s mental health infrastructure by recommending an appropriation of $36 million over fiscal years 2025 through 2029. It recognizes that communities are uniquely positioned to create the conditions for resilience and recovery. Healing happens in the context of healthy relationships within communities, organizations, and systems that foster belonging and trauma-informed care.
Want to get more involved and speak with your representatives or local media to support this legislation? Explore our communications and advocacy resources and/or email CTIPP’s Laura Braden, Director of Communications (laura AT ctipp.org).
