US lawmakers are calling for an investigation into the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on mental health.
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tim Kaine of Virginia told CNN exclusively that they plan to introduce the Covid-19 Mental Health Research Act on Tuesday afternoon. The legislation would direct $ 100 million annually for five years to the National Institute of Mental Health to fund research into the consequences of the pandemic on mental health.
Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Paul Tonko and Republican Rep. John Katko, both from New York, will introduce the House’s legislative version, according to the Klobuchar bureau.
“Health workers have driven our communities through this crisis, with many feeling acute stress and anxiety,” Klobuchar said in a statement to CNN.
“Children, teenagers and the elderly have also been uniquely affected. To understand how best to support them – and all Americans – in this difficult time, we need to assess the purpose of this mental health crisis and take steps to promote recovery and healing, “she said.
The proposed bill would support research examining the pandemic on the impact on mental health, especially for health workers. Other funding would support the post-pandemic mental health response and suicide prevention.
Tonko said the focus on mental health will be part of “rebuilding America” after the pandemic, especially for medical professionals and emergency responders.
“Every day, they show up at work, risk being exposed to this deadly virus and carry an unimaginable emotional burden for us, all to keep families and communities safe. We need to do more to support them and make sure we work to understand even the hidden costs they incur, “he said, adding that he was urging his colleagues in the House and Senate to push the legislation forward.
A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry in February found that mental health emergency visits, suicide attempts, overdoses, intimate partner violence and suspected child abuse were generally higher during last year’s pandemic. than in the same period of the previous year. .
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