US lawmakers are calling for research into the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on mental health.
Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tim Kaine of Virginia told CNN exclusively that they plan to present 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 on the consequences of the pandemic on mental health.
Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Paul Tonko and Republican Representative John Katko, both from New York, will present the version of the legislation to the House, according to Klobuchar’s office.
“Health care professionals led our communities during this crisis, with many experiencing severe stress and anxiety,” Klobuchar said in a statement to CNN.
“Children, teenagers and the elderly have also been impacted in a unique way. To understand how we can best support them – and all Americans – in this difficult time, we must assess the scope of this mental health crisis and take steps to promote recovery and healing. “, she said.
The proposed bill would provide support for research that examines the number of pandemic victims in mental health, especially for health professionals. Other funding would support the response to post-pandemic mental health 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 come to work, they risk exposure to this deadly virus and they carry an unimaginable emotional burden on us, all to keep our families and communities safe. We need to do more to support them and make sure we work for them. even understand the hidden costs they are bearing, “he said, adding that he urged his colleagues in the House and Senate to take the legislation forward.
A study, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry in February, found that visits to the mental health emergency department, suicide attempts, overdoses, intimate partner violence and suspected child abuse were generally greater during last year’s pandemic than during the same period last year.
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