Addressing the pandemic effects on mental health
As Chairman of the House Human Services Committee, I have the privilege of working with my colleagues, organizations, stakeholders, and community members to identify issues and areas of concern within the Human Services arena. One topic of interest that I have been conscientiously trying to address during my time in the legislature, is mental health concerns.
Mental illness is a heavily stigmatized condition that affects one in five Pennsylvanians. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals with mental illness experienced amplified symptoms and stress, causing additional ramifications on their overall health and well-being. During the Human Services public hearing on July 28, 2020, our committee had the opportunity to hear from experts about the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on mental health in Pennsylvania. The Public Hearing forum was held inperson and was also streamed digitally for the public to view.
During the meeting, there were seven panelists that provided insight and perspectives about mental health and the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Public Hearing is the first step in understanding the scope of the issue and how to best determine solutions to help some of the most vulnerable citizens in our communities. While it may be early to know the full implications of COVID-19 on the mental and behavioral wellness of our citizens, it is our due diligence to detect and understand the data we have access to from our front line workers, experts, and physicians. It is also our duty to ensure our front-line workers have access to adequate care, since they are at a heightened risk of developing PTSD as a result of the working conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the hearing, Deputy Secretary Kristen Houser of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (OMHSAS) shared that the National Distress Hotline received a 200% increase of calls in Pennsylvania during March.
On April 1, the Department of Human Services launched a statewide support and referral helpline. This support service is operated by the Center for Community Resources 24/7, which aids with mental health needs and referrals. She also shared that OMHSAS conducted a survey regarding behavioral health care services in 64 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Preliminary data shows that “90% of respondents received services at the same or greater frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic as they did prior to the epidemic, 55% of respondents had a reduction in canceled/rescheduled appointments, and 56% of respondents reported telehealth reduced at least one barrier to treatment.”
The ability for an individual to access telehealth care is critical to maintain their mental, physical and emotional well-being. Telehealth services provide convenience and peace of mind, since individuals are still receiving support services online without leaving the comfort and security of their homes. An area for concern that was raised is the availability and accessibility of computers and internet services for individuals struggling with mental illness.
It is imperative we work to address the accessibility divide and continue providing telehealth services to connect individuals with the behavioral and psychiatric assistance they need. Moreover, as legislators we need to support our mental health and addiction specialists and front-line experts to provide excellent person-centered care in an efficient and effective manner.
During this legislative session, I have authored House Bill 1696, known as Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity. The intent of the bill is to assure compliance with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. House Bill 1696 is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee awaiting additional consideration. It is my hope that this legislation receives the proper attention it deserves and passes both chambers, before heading to the governor for a signature. It is one of my top priorities to make sure individuals that have a mental illness and/or struggle with addiction can seek and receive adequate treatment necessary to recover.
As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, I will collaborate with my colleagues to continue addressing the mental health concerns of Pennsylvania citizens.
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health assistance, contact the Pennsylvania toll-free, round-the-clock support line at 1-855-284-2494, disaster distress helpline at 1-800-9855990 or text the crisis text line “PA” to 741-741.