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Prioritizing Mental Health
Dear Friend,
Coronavirus has been hard on all of us, but for some folks who battle mental health issues, this pandemic has been especially trying. While social distancing slows the spread of the virus, it can also create increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation.
Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we prioritize our nation’s mental health.
Recently, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, three coronavirus relief packages. And in these package, I helped ensure our mental health facilities received the support they need.
What’s included in the COVID-19 relief packages?
In March, Congress passed the Phase 1 relief package, which specifically provided $500 million to expand telehealth coverage in Medicare to increase a beneficiary’s access to care and mental health services from home during this public health emergency.
Since then, I also helped pass the bipartisan Phase 3 relief package, which provided additional support for services that benefit people with mental health conditions and for programs that help provide coordinated care to patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
In addition, we also included funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help address these issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics: $250 million to increase access to mental health care services.
- Suicide Prevention: $50 million to provide increased support for those most in need of intervention.
- Emergency Response Grants: $100 million in flexible funding to address mental health, substance use disorders, and provide resources and support to youth and the homeless during the pandemic.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IADPH) has received $2 million to go towards expanding programs for those struggling with substance abuse and mental illness as well as expanding telemedicine statewide.
Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Battling Suicide
Mental health issues are also common among our servicemembers. The Pentagon’s most recent quarterly suicide report showed an increase in military and veteran deaths in certain categories. Social isolation, lack of purpose, and family separations are all potential triggers for those already at risk for suicide, and now, during this pandemic and with the social distancing guidelines in place, these are amplified.
As a veteran, I am dedicated to helping my fellow men and women in service. We must make sure that the health physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional of our servicemembers is not overlooked. That’s why I’m calling upon the Pentagon to create a comprehensive plan to protect the mental health of those who have fought for our country.
Additionally, the Phase 3 relief package allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to work with telecommunication companies to provide broadband access to veterans in order to provide mental health support for isolated veterans during COVID-19.
Thank you Stay Safe and Stay Strong
Iowa’s mental health workers and facilities play such an important role in our communities. I want to specifically thank all those who are working each day to provide vital services during this difficult time. We cannot get through this without them.
Recently, Governor Reynolds highlighted the need for Iowans to step up and help one another during these trying times and so many of you are doing that. But, as we think about those facing extra challenges with mental health or addiction, don’t forget to send an encouraging text, call, or note.
If you or your loved one struggles with mental health or addiction, please seek help and reach out: https://yourlifeiowa.org. For updates on the status of COVID-19 in Iowa, you can also visit https://coronavirus.iowa.gov.
Together we will get through this. Stay safe and stay strong.
For more updates on what's happening in Washington, D.C. and Iowa, be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @SenJoniErnst, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thank you!
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