Community Mental Wellness Worker Training Act

This bill authorizes $25 million annually (2025-2029) to fund training programs for community mental wellness workers through grants to eligible entities like community health centers. These workers will provide basic screening and evidence-based counseling for common mental health and substance use issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, alcohol use) with cultural and linguistic competence, primarily serving underserved communities facing high poverty, unemployment, substance use rates, or dual Medicare/Medicaid eligibility. Priority is given to programs in medically underserved areas or neighborhoods exceeding national averages for these challenges. The program includes mandatory technical assistance for grantees and requires annual reporting on participant numbers and certification outcomes.