U.S. lawmakers are calling for research 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 planned to introduce the Covid-19 mental health research law 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 present the version of the legislation to the House, according to Klobuchar’s office.
“Healthcare workers have driven our communities through this crisis, and many feel acute stress and anxiety,” Klobuchar said in a statement to CNN.
“Children, teens and seniors have also had a unique impact. To understand how we can best support them (and all Americans) in this difficult time, we need to assess the extent of this crisis. mental health and take steps to promote recovery and healing, ”she said.
The bill would provide support for research examining the pandemic toll on mental health, especially for health workers. Other funding would support post-pandemic response in mental health and suicide prevention.
Tonko said focusing on mental health will be part of “rebuilding America” after the pandemic, especially for medical professionals and emergency workers.
“Every day they show up at work, they risk being exposed to this deadly virus and take on an emotional burden unimaginable for us, to keep our families and communities safe. We need to do more to support them and ensure “We are working to understand even the hidden costs they bear,” he said, adding that he urged his colleagues in the House and Senate to push through the legislation.
A study, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry in February, found that visits to mental health-related emergency services, suicide attempts, overdose, intimate partner violence and alleged child abuse were generally higher during the pandemic. of last year than during the same period of the previous year.
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