HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Launches "Project Well-Being" to Advance National Mental Health

New public-private partnership aims to expand access to mental health resources and reduce stigma in underserved communities.

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), today announced the launch of Project Well-Being, a new initiative designed to tackle the growing mental health crisis by fostering innovation, expanding access to care, and promoting resilience across the nation.

The initiative will focus on three key pillars:

• Integration of Services: Coordinating mental and behavioral health services with primary care in community health centers.
• Digital Health Tools: Expanding the use of telehealth and FDA-approved digital therapeutics to reach rural and remote populations.
• Workforce Development: Training a new generation of community health workers specializing in mental health first aid and support.

"Mental health is an indispensable part of overall health. Project Well-Being represents a critical step forward in our commitment to building a healthier, more resilient nation where every individual has the opportunity to thrive," said Admiral Rachel L. Levine, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health. "By leveraging partnerships and innovation, we can ensure that support is available to those who need it, when and where they need it."

Project Well-Being is funded through a combination of federal resources and commitments from a coalition of private-sector partners, including leading technology and healthcare organizations. The initial phase of the project will launch in five states, with plans for a national expansion by 2025.

For more information on the science behind this initiative, visit the OASH Adolescent Mental Health page.