WASHINGTON, D.C. (NCC News) – U.S. lawmakers, including Rep. John Katko, are calling for research and action into the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on mental health.
Katko along with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey announced the introduction of the Pursuing Equity in Mental Healthcare Act today. The bipartisan legislation bill will work to promote access to mental healthcare for minority communities in Central New York and across the country.
The goal of the The Pursuing Equity in Mental Healthcare Act would be to combat the growing disparties mental health access and increasing suicide rates among minority youth.
“I’m proud to join this bipartisan, bicameral effort to promote access to mental healthcare services for minority communities in Central New York and across the country,” said Rep. Katko.
The bill would authorize $805 million in funds to support research to analyze the pandemic’s role in the toll of mental health, especially on health care workers. Funding would also support focusing on mental health post pandemic in part of “rebuilding America.”
The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act is cosponsored by 48 Members of Congress .
