In a significant move to support families affected by police violence, Representative Cori Bush, alongside other Democratic Representatives, has reintroduced the Helping Families Heal Act. This legislation, first proposed in September 2022, coincides with what would have been Michael Brown’s 28th birthday, a young Black man whose death at the hands of police sparked a national outcry and fueled the Black Lives Matter movement.
Objectives of the Helping Families Heal Act
Establish grant programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to aid communities in accessing mental health resources.
Deploy trained mental health professionals and community health workers to provide services to those affected by police violence.
Address and treat intergenerational trauma resulting from police brutality.
Representative Bush, who collaborated with Michael Brown’s mother, Lezley McSpadden, in crafting the bill, emphasizes the importance of supporting families and communities in the aftermath of police violence. The act aims to provide necessary resources to help individuals cope with trauma and grief, recognizing the disproportionate impact on Black and brown communities and young people.
Continued advocacy for victims of police brutality
The legacy of victims like Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Tyre Nichols remains a poignant reminder of the work that still needs to be done. The reintroduction of the Helping Families Heal Act represents a commitment to honor their lives by addressing the mental health crises that often follow such tragic incidents of police violence.
The Helping Families Heal Act is a beacon of hope for healing and progress as the nation grapples with these issues. Representative Bush’s statement, “Together, we can help our families heal,” encapsulates the collective effort required to bring about change and support those suffering the most.
