Bill Overview
Title: Crisis Counseling Act
Description: This bill requires the President to immediately approve a request from a state, territory, or Indian tribe affected by a major disaster for financial assistance available through the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP). Under current law, such states, territories, and tribes must apply to, and wait for approval from, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to implement the CCP. This bill provides for automatic approval for such requests if the requesting state, territory, or tribe has been designated a disaster area under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Sponsors: Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Target Audience
Population: People living in disaster-affected areas globally
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The bill impacts regions designated as disaster areas under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
- The Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) is available for people affected by major disasters, so anyone in a designated disaster area can receive support.
- The global population impacted includes people who live in areas frequently affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, and other significant events.
- Given the global frequency of natural disasters, potentially millions of people worldwide may be impacted annually by the streamlined access to counseling services this bill provides.
- Not all countries will have similar legislation or processes for automatic approval, but the CCP's principles might apply globally for countries cooperating with the CCP or having similar programs.
Reasoning
- The policy is likely to directly impact people living in areas frequently affected by disasters, such as coastal areas prone to hurricanes, regions susceptible to floods and wildfires, and zones in the path of frequent tornadoes.
- Many individuals living in these areas may already experience psychological stress, economic instability, and disruption due to natural disasters, impacting their wellbeing.
- Quicker access to crisis counseling services could play a crucial role in providing the necessary mental health support, potentially improving self-reported wellbeing for those directly affected.
- The policy's $200 million budget in the first year is substantial, allowing a significant number of individuals in designated disaster areas access to the program.
- Given the potential scope of the CCP and the frequency of disasters in the U.S., a diverse range of people – including young adults, families, and older adults – might all see benefits, though impacts will vary based on personal circumstances and disaster severity.
Simulated Interviews
Engineer (Houston, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been through so many hurricanes, and the waiting time for help is always stressful. Quick approval for counseling can really help us cope.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Freelancer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every time fires come near, it's scary, and support is crucial for me and my child. This act could mean faster help for us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
School Administrator (Miami, Florida)
Age: 57 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stress from storms worsens my anxiety. Immediate counseling can be a lifeline.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retail Worker (Kansas City, Missouri)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've managed so far, but knowing help can come faster after a tornado is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Age: 62 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Floods terrify me, and with my mobility issues, I need all the help I can get quickly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Teacher (Santa Rosa, California)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having resources quickly approved for counseling is a crucial support for community rebuilding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Bartender (New York City, New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any disaster hits poorer people harder, so fast help with mental health can make a real difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Chef (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Quicker counseling approval is critical—not just for individuals but the whole community's recovery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (Tampa, Florida)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about how storms could disrupt my studies and life. Quick access to help would ease my mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- For businesses and individuals, faster access to mental health resources post-disaster can support overall economic recovery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $220000000 (Low: $165000000, High: $275000000)
Year 3: $242000000 (Low: $181500000, High: $302500000)
Year 5: $290400000 (Low: $217800000, High: $363000000)
Year 10: $387200000 (Low: $290400000, High: $484000000)
Year 100: $1878400000 (Low: $1410400000, High: $2346400000)
Key Considerations
- The frequency of qualifying disasters significantly influences cost projections.
- Rapid implementation may require administrative adjustments and increased upfront costs.
- Psychological support and early interventions may produce long-term savings in public health expenditures.