Bill would amend FEMA’s crisis counseling program to include those impacted by “Emergency Disaster” Declarations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) today joined Representatives David McKinley (R-WV), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Dina Titus (D-NV) in introducing the Post-Disaster Mental Health Response Act, legislation that would expand mental health support for survivors of natural disasters and terrorist attacks designated as “Emergency Declarations” by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Specifically, the bill would expand eligibility for FEMA’s Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP), which provides short-term mental health resources for survivors. Currently, the support offered through this program is only available following a FEMA “Major Disaster Declaration” – not for any “Emergency Declaration.”
“As someone who previously worked on disaster response efforts, I am intimately aware of the multifaceted challenges that disasters of all scales and types can have on individuals and communities,” said Rep. Meijer. “We know major disasters require physical repairs, but we must also consider the mental and emotional tolls these events have and ensure all victims and survivors have access to the resources they need to cop and hopefully recover. I am glad to join this effort to make support available in the aftermath of any FEMA-declared disaster.”
“Natural disasters and mass violence are disruptive and traumatic life events that can have a devastating impact on one’s mental health—but far too many people who survive these tragedies can't access the critical mental health services offered by FEMA,” said Rep. Pressley. “Our bill would change that by helping survivors of all disasters—including Emergency Declarations—access the counseling and resources they need to recover from their trauma and begin to heal. The Boston Marathon attack, which received an Emergency Declaration in 2013, had a devastating impact on our community, resulting in PTSD for many survivors. I am proud to put forward legislation with them in mind – giving survivors supportive resources in the immediate aftermath of such catastrophes. I’m grateful to Reps. Titus, McKinley, and Meijer for their partnership in this effort.”
Background:
In the last decade, there have been more than 4,000 Emergency Declarations in 37 states – impacting 72 percent of congressional districts. From hurricanes and earthquakes to terrorist attacks and other acts of violence, these emergencies have resulted in lasting trauma for individuals, families, and communities – at significant cost burdens on states and governments tasked with recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Through the CCP, FEMA provides technical assistance and reimbursement to state and local governments to address the mental health impacts in the aftermath of tragedies. However, CCP is only available to states and localities that have received a “Major Disaster Declaration,” and is not available for disasters that receive “Emergency Declarations.”
To address this problem, the Post-Disaster Mental Health Response Act would amend the CCP so that it applies to Emergency Declarations. This legislation will ensure that disasters that don’t meet the physical or monetary requirements for a Major Disaster can still receive mental health support for impacted communities.
The Post-Disaster Mental Health Response Act is endorsed by the National Association of Counties, American Psychological Association, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors.
“Local officials and emergency responders are often the first on the scene following a disaster, coordinating clean-up, recovery and rebuilding efforts to return our residents’ lives back to normal,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With the severity and frequency of disasters on the rise, the Post-Disaster Mental Health Response Act would help ensure that local governments have the resources necessary to address the mental health needs of our residents and first responders. Counties thank Reps. Pressley, Titus, McKinley and Meijer for introducing this vital legislation to support local governments and first responders.”
“Decades of psychological research demonstrate the long-term negative impact disasters can have on the mental health of individuals and communities," said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association. "From natural events such as hurricanes or earthquakes, to human-caused incidents such as mass shootings or terrorist attacks - disasters can take an emotional toll. APA strongly supports the introduction of the bipartisan Post Disaster Mental Health Response Act, which would give states and localities more tools to coordinate mental health care after an emergency declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program.”
“This seemingly small change would have a big impact by helping expand the type of services funded by the CCP to more Americans experiencing challenges during a disaster. Thank you for your leadership on this issue,” said Rob I. L. Morrison, Executive Director, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors.
Original source can be found here.
