Rep. Katko Prioritizes Access to Treatment for Mental Illness & Substance Use Disorders Amid Ongoing Pandemic

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today announced the reintroduction of three bipartisan bills to support Central New Yorkers struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders amid the ongoing pandemic.

A recent report from the Onondaga County Health Department found that overdose deaths spiked by 40% in the Syracuse area during the first nine months of 2020. And according to a recent CDC study, nearly half of all Americans reported struggling with mental health or substance use disorders last year. With elevated need for support services during the ongoing pandemic, Rep. Katko’s bills aim to provide comprehensive mental health services for students in local schools, support counties and community-based organizations that serve individuals with substance use disorders, and provide emergency funds for local mental health and addiction treatment facilities.

“In Central New York, we’re seeing the ongoing pandemic contribute to rising rates of mental illness and suicide as well as substance use disorders and overdose deaths,” said Rep. Katko. “Our community is facing a crisis and we must devote the time, resources, and attention to these issues.”

He continued, “In Congress, I’m continuing to prioritize increasing access to mental healthcare and substance use disorder support services amid the ongoing pandemic by reintroducing three meaningful pieces of legislation. My bills would work to expand treatment options in our region and ensure Central New Yorkers of all ages have access to the support they need during these difficult times.”

Specifically, Rep. Katko introduced:

The Mental Health Services for Students Act alongside U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D, CA-32). This bipartisan bill creates $130 million in grant funding for schools to partner with local mental health professionals to establish comprehensive mental health services for students. The proposal would educate the entire school community—from students and their families, to teachers, administrators, and support personnel—on the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness.

Emergency Support for Substance Use Disorders Act alongside U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D, NH-2). This bill creates emergency grants for counties and community-based organizations that serve individuals with substance use disorders to ensure they are able to continue their important outreach, education, and treatment efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coronavirus Mental Health and Addiction Assistance Act alongside Tim Ryan (D, OH-13). This bill would create a grant program with $100 billion in emergency funds to support local mental health and addiction treatment facilities. These facilities would use the funds to help people manage mental health conditions and substance use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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