HELP Act of 2026

(a) In general. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this Act referred to as the Secretary) shall establish a program for the following purposes:

(1) To increase the capacity of 211 services in the States, to ensure 211 services are directly accessible to all individuals in each State.

(2) To increase coordination between 211, 988, and 911 service providers.

(3) To increase awareness and use of 211 services by the public.

(b) Administration. In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall select one administering agency to assist the Secretary in implementing such program.

(c) Allotments

(1) In general. For the purpose specified in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall, using funds made available under section 6 and in consultation with the administering agency, determine the amount to be made available for grants to qualified 211 service entities in each State.

(2) Formula. The Secretary shall develop a formula for determining the total amount to be allotted for each State for the grants referred to in paragraph (1). Such formula shall be based on population, population density, poverty rate, and other evidence-based predictive data related to the needs in the State for, and access to, health and human services.