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Bipartisan E&C Leaders Request Information from SAMHSA on Rising Mental Health Conditions Amid COVID-19

March 8, 2022

Bipartisan Energy and Commerce Committee leaders wrote to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today to request information regarding the Biden Administration's efforts to address the increased levels of mental health issues in the United States, particularly given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter was signed by Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Morgan Griffith (R-VA).

"The mental health and well-being of Americans remains a top priority, and we are concerned about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on increased levels of distress, anxiety, and suicide-related behaviors," the bipartisan Committee leaders wrote to Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon.

In their letter, the Committee leaders compared data from 2019 to 2020, which shows an alarming increase in the prevalence of mental health conditions as the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the globe.

"Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that American adults in June 2020 reported elevated levels of adverse mental health conditions, substance use, and suicidal ideation," the Committee leaders continued. "This same data from June 2020 found that the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety was approximately three times those reported in the second quarter of 2019, and the prevalence of depression was approximately four times that reported in the second quarter of 2019. Additional studies and reports have emerged that show concerning trends with respect to our nation's mental health with some populations, including children and people of color, facing a disproportionate increase in mental health conditions.Furthermore, a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased social isolation and stress, which have affected the behavioral health of many Americans. Specifically, data in the report suggests higher rates of anxiety and depression symptoms, and more substance use among adults as a result."

In response to the pandemic, Congress provided historic levels of funding to support Americans' mental health care needs. In their letter, the Committee leaders note that as of November 2021, $8 billion in COVID-19 relief funding had been awarded for behavioral health initiatives at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

As part of their inquiry, the bipartisan Committee leaders requested information and answers to a series of questions, including:

  • What information and data has SAMHSA collected or have access to regarding any changes in our nation's mental health in 2020 and 2021 as compared to 2019, including changes in levels of anxiety, depression, suicide attempts, emergency department visits for mental health needs, and suicide?
  • What, if any, associated events or causes are contributed to the changing mental health symptoms and conditions in Americans, including the death of parents, caregivers, and other family and loved ones due to COVID-19 as well as the role of school closures on school staff and children's mental health.
  • What, if any, involvement has SAMHSA had in development and implementation of the nation's COVID-19 pandemic response and prevention efforts, including input to CDC in the development of CDC's Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K–12 Schools?
  • Is SAMHSA conducting, collaborating, or funding any studies or analysis regarding long COVID, particularly individuals who have reported post-COVID mental health needs?
  • What tools and resources are SAMHSA providing or coordinating with other agencies to provide to our frontline health workers who have experienced increased levels of stress and trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • A list of any of the COVID-19 relief funding administered through SAMHSA that has been awarded, including when it was awarded, allocated, or distributed; the recipient; and the purpose for the funding.
  • In addition to funding, what tools and resources is SAMHSA providing to support the needs of Americans experiencing mental health challenges as the nation continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic?

Read the full letter HERE.

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Issues:Health