WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released a statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz to be the first-ever U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use – a position created under reforms championed by Murphy and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) as part of their Mental Health Reform Act. 

“Every one of us has a family member or friend coping with mental illness or addiction. We created this position because after listening to families in Connecticut, I heard loud and clear that the government needs to do a better job addressing these issues for the people who need it. Dr. McCance-Katz has a big job ahead of her,” said Murphy. “She’s experienced and I’m confident she’ll bring much-needed focus and attention to making sure people with mental health needs and addiction get the care they need. I look forward to working her.” 

Murphy received a commitment from McCance-Katz during her nomination hearing earlier this week that she will work to improve enforcement of mental health parity laws and ensure that Americans receive equal access to behavioral health care. 

Among other things, Murphy’s bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act strengthened transparency and enforcement of mental health parity laws, promoted integrated mental health and physical health, and established new programs to assist those with, or at risk for, mental illness. A fact sheet on Murphy and Cassidy’s bill is available here.