A South Dakota congressman wants to repurpose COVID-19 relief funds for mental health resources.
Republican Dusty Johnson of South Dakota and Democrat Kim Schrier of Washington are co-sponsoring the bill. It aims to let states and tribes move previously allocated money into a trust fund for behavioral health services.
The Centers for Disease Control report levels of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse increased during the pandemic.
Johnson said it’s important to acknowledge that “people’s lives and livelihoods were completely disrupted” last year. He says that took a toll on many Americans’ mental health.
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