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HR 202

SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates April 27, 2026, as Rural Mental Health Day at the capitol

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack McFarland

Designates April 27, 2026 as Rural Mental Health Day at the Capitol to honor providers and the Louisiana Rural Mental Health Alliance for improving rural behavioral health access.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 202

Summary of Bill HR 202 (Louisiana, 2026 Session)

Overview

  • Bill: HR 202
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Louisiana Regular Session 2026
  • Sponsor: Representative Jack McFarland (original), with co-sponsor McFarland as noted; primary sponsor listed as McFarland
  • Type: House Resolution
  • Title/Designation: Designates April 27, 2026, as Rural Mental Health Day at the Capitol

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution designates a specific day—Monday, April 27, 2026—as Rural Mental Health Day at the Capitol.
  • It aims to recognize and honor the work of mental health rehabilitation providers and the Louisiana Rural Mental Health Alliance in supporting rural communities’ access to behavioral health care.

Key Provisions

  • Designation: Proclaims April 27, 2026, as Rural Mental Health Day at the state capitol.
  • Recognition: Acknowledges the role of:
    • Mental health rehabilitation providers as the backbone of Louisiana’s behavioral health system.
    • The Louisiana Rural Mental Health Alliance for advocacy, provider support, and expanding access in underserved rural areas.
  • Rationale Highlighted:
    • Rural Louisiana faces significant barriers to mental health care, including provider shortages and limited resources.
    • Individuals with serious mental illness and youth with serious emotional disturbance (especially those served by Medicaid) rely on home- and community-based care provided by mental health rehabilitation providers.
    • The work of these providers contributes to reducing hospitalizations, improving stability, and strengthening families and communities.

Affected Parties and Community Impact

  • Primary Beneficiaries:
    • Rural residents of Louisiana seeking mental health care.
    • Individuals with serious mental illness and youth with serious emotional disturbance who rely on rehabilitation and community-based services (including Medicaid beneficiaries).
  • Stakeholders Recognized:
    • Mental health rehabilitation providers.
    • Louisiana Rural Mental Health Alliance.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Elevates awareness of rural mental health challenges and the importance of accessible, community-based care.
    • May influence public and legislative attention, funding discussions, and policy considerations related to rural behavioral health.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date/Timeline: The designation is for a single day—Monday, April 27, 2026—within the 2026 Regular Session.
  • Action History: On the date of designation, the resolution was read by title and adopted.
  • Formal Status: A non-binding ceremonial resolution recognizing and commemorating a public health issue and the organizations involved; no new statutory changes or funding appropriations are stated in the bill text.

Practical Takeaways

  • HR 202 is a ceremonial acknowledgment intended to:
    • Highlight rural mental health needs.
    • Honor providers and the Louisiana Rural Mental Health Alliance.
    • Encourage awareness and dialogue around improving access to home- and community-based mental health services in rural Louisiana.
  • It does not create new programs, funding, or regulatory changes, but may serve as a focal point for future policy discussions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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