A huge increase—nearly 900%—in emotional distress.

That’s one of the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Calls to the national Disaster Distress Helpline (800-985-5990) soared in March, compared to last year.

Conquering COVID will take more than testing and treatment. We must equip our mental health system—already woefully underfunded—to meet the needs of a nation in crisis.

I spent the last four years leading that fight as the president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado. My colleagues and I helped secure more than $68 million per year in mental health and substance use services; strengthen the enforcement of mental health parity; and steer more resources to schools, parents, and child child providers.

But that’s not enough. No state can solve this crisis on its own.

We need fundamental reform at the federal level to cover all Americans, integrate mental health and primary care, and end the use of our criminal justice system as a warehouse for those who face a mental illness or substance use disorder. Just as important: eradicating the stigma that stops too many people from seeking care.

This pandemic will not last forever. Let’s make sure its effects don’t either.

Andrew Romanoff

We’re doing our part to help Coloradans in need.
You can too—go to covrn.com.