KING LEADS BILL TO EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS IN RURAL MAINE COMMUNITIES

WASHINGTON, July 27 -- Sen. Angus King issued the following press release:

U.S. Senator Angus King is introducing legislation to help people in rural Maine communities maintain reliable access to mental health care. The Compacts, Access, and Responsible Expansion (CARE) for Mental Health Professionals Act would incentivize interstate medical health provider networks with federally funded grant opportunities. Interstate networks allow providers to practice across state lines while avoiding duplicative registration processes, thus reaching more rural communities with mental health resources.

Rural communities are disproportionately affected by the country's mental health crisis. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 60% of ru...