Bill Overview
Title: SUPPORT Act
Description: This bill expressly incorporates the provision of mental health and substance use disorder services during public health emergencies into the authorities and other activities of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Additionally, SAMHSA must report to Congress about recommendations to improve the provision of such services during public health emergencies. The Government Accountability Office must also report on SAMHSA's programs and activities for supporting the provision of such services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sponsors: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by mental health and substance use disorders during public health emergencies worldwide
Estimated Size: 52000000
- The SUPPORT Act aims to ensure the provision of mental health and substance use disorder services during public health emergencies.
- During events like the COVID-19 pandemic, many people faced increased mental health and substance use challenges due to stress, isolation, and economic uncertainty.
- The bill involves the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which is integral in addressing mental health and substance use disorders across the United States.
- Globally, many countries have SAMHSA-equivalent organizations that would undergo similar challenges and needs during pandemics.
- The population targeted by this bill includes anyone who may experience mental health or substance use issues during public health emergencies.
Reasoning
- The SUPPORT Act aims to assist a wide array of individuals experiencing mental health and substance use issues during public health emergencies. We have to simulate individuals with varying involvement and effects from this policy, including those not directly affected to those who are heavily impacted.
- The US population is a mix of diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and individuals could be affected differently depending on their location, occupation, and personal circumstances. We need to include a variety of situations to properly assess the policy’s potential impact.
- The budget constraint implies that not every individual in need will receive immediate assistance, leading to varying impact levels within the target demographic. This variance must be represented in our interviews.
- The anticipated population in the US affected annually by mental health or substance use disorders is vast, so commonness of certain types of interviewees may impact how typical their representation is in the larger population.
Simulated Interviews
software developer (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone working from home during the pandemic, I've felt increasingly isolated and stressed.
- I hope this policy provides more accessible mental health resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
paramedic (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen firsthand how mental health crises have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
- This policy could provide much-needed support to both victims and healthcare providers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
retired teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I mainly worry about my health and feel anxious about visiting doctors.
- If this policy improves access to mental health services from home, it would be wonderful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
gig worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I lost work during COVID-19, worsening my struggle with substance use.
- I hope the SUPPORT Act can help people like me get back on our feet.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 1 |
mechanic (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m the breadwinner but had to take a step back due to mental health issues.
- This bill should help, especially during the times when I can't bring in income.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
mental health counselor (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ongoing mental health crisis due to COVID-19 has increased demands on my services.
- I'm optimistic the SUPPORT Act will better equip us to handle future crises.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Virtual classes and social distancing have made me anxious and isolated.
- I hope this policy increases support for students like myself.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
retired factory worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I rely on basic healthcare, and accessing mental health services was challenging during COVID-19.
- If this act can assist people like me, it will be a great relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
biomedical researcher (Boston, MA)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Balancing family and work stress during the pandemic has been tough.
- I hope the SUPPORT Act provides more wellness resources for professionals under stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
part-time librarian (Rural, NC)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 9.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Living in a rural area, access to mental health services is very limited.
- I hope this act improves access to services for rural communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $525000000 (Low: $420000000, High: $630000000)
Year 3: $551250000 (Low: $441000000, High: $661500000)
Year 5: $605437500 (Low: $484275000, High: $726600000)
Year 10: $771178650 (Low: $616942920, High: $925414380)
Year 100: $1333891400 (Low: $1067113120, High: $1600669680)
Key Considerations
- SAMHSA's expanded role during emergencies necessitates significant management and operational adaptation.
- The act implies potential infrastructural and staffing costs to handle increased service demands.
- The mental health challenges evident from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the need for such policy interventions.