Saratoga, N.Y. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has sent two letters to House leadership requesting support for mental health resources and suicide prevention as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The first letter specifically requests leadership to include provisions related to suicide prevention in any forthcoming COVID-19 relief package, including $61 million in funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The second letter calls on leadership to prioritize the mental health needs of healthcare workers who are treating COVID-19 patients, including a new grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services to supplement existing assistance programs focused on mental health.
“The COVID-19 outbreak has presented numerous challenges not only for our essential healthcare workers, but for many people struggling with mental health issues,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “It is imperative that we provide adequate resources and funding in any forthcoming legislative packages to support suicide prevention and help our communities address this crisis on all fronts. The provisions and funding outlined in these two letters will ensure struggling individuals have access to the resources they need. I will continue to advocate for initiatives like these in order to help our North Country communities respond to and recover from this crisis.”
Find both letters here.
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