51³Ô¹Ï

The 51³Ô¹Ï (ACHA) is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of college students, staff, and the wider higher education community. A core part of this mission is our robust advocacy work on Capitol Hill, which is shaped by the needs and expertise of our members across the country and delivers tangible benefits in the form of legislation and programs that enable colleges to provide students with the resources and support they need to thrive.

Here is a summary of key federal legislative proposals 51³Ô¹Ïhas endorsed or actively supported in 2025:

Expanding Mental Health Care Access: The Continuation of Care Act

Mental health is a critical concern for college communities. That’s why 51³Ô¹Ïworked with lawmakers to introduce the . This legislation is a direct result of 51³Ô¹Ïmembers bringing this crucial issue forward, leading to engagement with Congress by the 51³Ô¹ÏAdvocacy Committee during the Annual Hill Day in January 2025. Read more about how 51³Ô¹Ïhelped draft this legislation.

What it does: This bill would authorize college mental health professionals to continue providing services to students across state lines via telehealth.

How it benefits your campus: It breaks down geographical barriers, ensuring students—especially those who travel out-of-state for breaks or live near a state border—maintain continuous access to their trusted college health provider, supporting their stability and well-being.

Read more about how 51³Ô¹Ïhelped draft this legislation.

Addressing Social Health: Measuring Loneliness and Isolation

51³Ô¹Ïendorsed Rep. Mike Flood’s (R-NE) , recognizing that social well-being is fundamental to overall health.

What it does: It directs the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a working group to recommend standardized measurements for loneliness and isolation.

How it benefits your campus: By standardizing measurements, colleges and universities can better assess and track these key determinants of student mental health. 51³Ô¹Ïhas specifically communicated that the bill must include provisions to address higher education communities, ensuring the data collected is relevant for developing campus-based interventions. This bill works in tandem with the Continuation of Mental Health Care Act to build a comprehensive approach to student mental health.

Ensuring a Safe and Inclusive Campus: Anti-Harassment Legislation

As an organization committed to a holistic approach to campus health, 51³Ô¹Ïre-endorsed the reintroduction of the (HR 5486/S 2876), led by Rep. Mark Pocan (R-WI) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA).

What it does: It requires federally funded colleges to establish an anti-harassment policy that explicitly prohibits harassment based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. It also creates a grant program to help colleges and universities start or expand programs to prevent harassment and provide counseling services to victims.

How it benefits your campus: A safe, inclusive environment is a prerequisite for student well-being and academic success. This legislation offers both a mandate for a healthier climate and crucial resources (grant funding) to implement prevention and support services.

Tackling Basic Needs: Housing for Homeless Students

51³Ô¹Ïrecently endorsed the soon-to-be-introduced , sponsored by Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL).

What it does: It would make unhoused youth (under age 26) and veterans pursuing full-time higher education eligible to live in properties supported by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, which currently excludes them under existing interpretations.

How it benefits your campus: Ensuring students have access to basic needs—like stable housing—directly secures their physical health, mental well-being, and academic success. Addressing student housing insecurity reduces barriers to graduation and allows college health staff to focus on wellness rather than crisis management.

Be Part of the Solution

Your membership empowers 51³Ô¹Ïto transform member input into federal action.

ACHA’s commitment to advocacy is unwavering. Your membership is the engine that drives this work. It provides the resources and the collective voice needed to influence federal policy, bringing about changes that directly benefit your students and professional efforts.

Do you have a legislative priority or a compelling story that highlights the need for change? We welcome your input. Please share your suggestions, questions, and concerns by emailing advocacy@acha.org. Let’s continue to lead the charge for healthier, more supportive college communities together!