The MINDS Act puts mental health at the forefront and sheds light on a disease plaguing millions of children worldwide

The Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act is bipartisan and the first-ever piece of legislation that would promote mental health and psychosocial support as a key component of U.S. foreign assistance.

Today, the mental health of children living in conflict is more at-risk than ever — more than 14% of children worldwide are estimated to have a mental health disorder. 83% of children reported an increase of negative feelings due to Covid. But less than 1% of funding on global health goes to address children's mental health and well-being. It’s not enough. They need more.

Tell Congress to pass the MINDS Act by visiting our political advocacy arm – Save the Children Action Network – and sending a message to Congress.

What’s in the MINDS Act?

The MINDS Act would prioritize mental health and psychosocial support within U.S. foreign assistance through a commitment to mainstreaming mental health and psychosocial support in U.S. government-funded assistance and making it more effective. 

Tell Congress to pass the MINDS Act by visiting our political advocacy arm – Save the Children Action Network – and sending a message to Congress.

  • The MINDS Act would seek to prevent and treat mental health disorders
  • It would promote the psychosocial well-being of children and families around the world living in adversity
  • It would prioritize children living in poverty or conflict zones
  • It would support best practices in the field of mental health and psychosocial support and lay the groundwork for a global mental health strategy
  • The MINDS Act would emphasize the needs of specific at-risk populations such as children, women and girls

Why Advocate for Mental Health?

Every child, no matter where they live, deserves to live a safe, happy and healthy life. Being mentally healthy is no exception.

Mental health is often overlooked, as it is largely an invisible problem. That’s one reason the MINDS Act is so important – it puts mental health at the forefront of the discussion, and sheds light on a disease plaguing millions of children worldwide.

Mental health is crucial to a child’s physical and intellectual growth and development. Strong mental health and psychosocial support at a young age lay a vital foundation for their education, and their ability to cope with challenges later in life.

By investing in children’s mental health and psychosocial well-being, we are investing in the global community – its brighter future and long-term success.

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