Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance Applauds Congressional Champions on Passage of Maternal Substance Use Disorder Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. — October 2, 2025
Media Contact: Mia Hemstad, mhemstad@mmhla.org.
The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) applauds Congress for passing the bipartisan SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, (The SUPPORT Act) (H.R. 2483), which includes a reauthorization of a program to strengthen residential treatment for pregnant and postpartum women experiencing substance use disorders. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), as well as House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ), led the passage of this important reauthorization, representing a vital step in keeping mothers, babies, and families healthy, supported, and together even when battling behavioral health challenges.
According to Adrienne Griffen, MMHLA Executive Director, “Maternal mental health and substance use disorders are leading causes of pregnancy-related death in the United States, including deaths from suicide and overdose. While many women reduce or stop substance use during pregnancy, others need comprehensive, evidence-based treatment and family-centered support.”
Congress first authorized The Support Act in 2018 as the largest Congressional investment in addressing the opioid crisis in the United States. Both the House and Senate have passed the legislation, which now heads to President Trump for final signature.
“After years of bipartisan collaboration, The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act has made it to the President's desk. This legislation has strengthened efforts to fight the fentanyl crisis by expanding treatment, recovery opportunities, and prevention initiatives that connect vital community-based resources for individuals with substance use disorders," said Chairman Brett Guthrie. "As overdose rates begin to decline, the reauthorization of this legislation ensures continued investment in prevention, recovery, and hope for families nationwide.”
“The opioid and mental health crisis is tearing apart families,” said Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA). “The SUPPORT Act equips communities with vital tools to combat this scourge and save lives. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their work to pass this bill and look forward to it being signed into law.”
The SUPPORT Act funds public and nonprofit private entities to provide treatment for substance use disorders to pregnant and postpartum women, including an essential provision allowing their babies and children to reside with them during treatment, helping families heal together.
When mothers receive effective treatment, family stability improves through mother-infant bonding, breastfeeding, and reduced long-term risk of mental health disorders in children.
MMHLA applauds the leadership of lawmakers who have championed this program and looks forward to continued partnership in ensuring that all mothers have access to treatment that protects their health and the long-term well-being of their children.
About MMHLA
The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to improve the mental health of mothers and childbearing people in the United States by advocating for policy solutions that strengthen the maternal mental health system of care. Learn more at mmhla.org.
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