HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 544        FILED ON: 1/10/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Bud L. Williams

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to Provide Funding for the African Diaspora Mental Health Association's State-of-the-Art Clinic.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 544        FILED ON: 1/10/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act to Provide Funding for the African Diaspora Mental Health Association's State-of-the-Art Clinic.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Act shall be known and cited as the "ADMHA Equity and Community Advancement Act."

Section 2: Findings and Purpose

Whereas, the African Diaspora Mental Health Association (ADMHA) is the only minority-owned mental health clinic in Western Massachusetts and the surrounding cities and towns; and

Whereas, ADMHA is uniquely positioned to provide culturally competent mental health and substance use disorder services tailored to the African American population and other underserved communities; and

Whereas, ADMHA addresses critical gaps in equitable access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, consistent with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and

Whereas, there has been no prior legislation before the Massachusetts House or Senate to specifically address equity in mental health service delivery for minority populations through capital investments;

Therefore, the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts finds that a one-time appropriation of $1,500,000 is necessary for ADMHA to complete its state-of-the-art mental health and substance use disorder clinic and enhance services that address urgent public health and safety needs, including but not limited to combating opioid addiction and reducing gang and gun violence.

Section 3: Appropriation of Funds

The sum of $1,500,000 is hereby appropriated from the general fund and made available to the African Diaspora Mental Health Association (ADMHA) for the exclusive purpose of completing its state-of-the-art mental health and substance use disorder clinic, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, and enhancing its programmatic offerings.

Section 4: Use of Funds

The allocated funds shall be used for the following purposes, including but not limited to:

1. Completion of the facility's physical infrastructure, including additional treatment rooms and therapy spaces.

2. Installation of advanced telehealth technology to expand access to services.

3. Development of culturally tailored opioid addiction recovery programs.

4. Creation of specialized programs addressing gang and gun violence prevention.

5. Expansion of staff training on implicit bias and cultural competence.

6. Recruitment of additional licensed mental health professionals.

7. Establishment of a community resource center offering support groups and educational workshops.

8. Procurement of medical equipment for substance use treatment, including MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment).

9. Implementation of a youth mentorship and mental health resilience program.

10. Development of a crisis intervention team in collaboration with local law enforcement.

11. Creation of a trauma-informed care initiative targeting survivors of violence.

12. Expansion of outpatient services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

13. Construction of ADA-compliant spaces to ensure accessibility for all clients.

14. Development of community outreach programs to raise awareness of available services.

15. Implementation of data analytics systems to measure program outcomes and effectiveness.

16. Support for family-focused therapy programs addressing intergenerational trauma.

17. Introduction of workforce development initiatives for community members pursuing careers in mental health.

18. Establishment of a partnership program with local schools to address the school-to-prison pipeline.

19. Creation of culturally competent wellness programs addressing health disparities.

20. Collaboration with other community-based organizations to develop holistic service networks.

Section 5: Community Benefits

The funding authorized under this Act is expected to yield measurable community benefits, including:

1. Improved mental health outcomes for underserved populations.

2. Decreased rates of opioid overdose and related fatalities.

3. Reduction in gang-related and gun violence incidents through preventive programming.

4. Increased employment opportunities for local residents in healthcare and administrative roles.

5. Enhanced public safety and community resilience through collaborative intervention efforts.

Section 6: Reporting Requirements

ADMHA shall submit a detailed report to the Department of Mental Health and the General Court within one year of receiving funds, outlining:

1. The use of funds and progress toward completing the clinic.

2. Quantitative and qualitative data on program implementation.

3. Demonstrable impacts on community health and safety.

Section 7: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect immediately upon its passage.