Include MH/SUD in FEMA disaster planning and response

In a disaster or pandemic, people often suffer serious mental or emotional distress, which may exacerbate existing mental health or substance use disorders (MH/SUD).[2] For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. adults reported elevated adverse mental health conditions, and some populations – including young adults and racial/ethnic minorities – experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation.[3][4]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the agency responsible for helping people before, during, and after disasters,[4] addresses these behavioral health needs. FEMA’s National Response Framework guides how the nation responds to disasters and emergencies,[5] including the planning and coordination of Federal public health, healthcare delivery, and emergency response systems.[6] The inclusion of screening, supports, and services in pandemic and natural disaster response efforts provides evidence-informed care at the earliest possible point of intervention, either during or immediately after a disaster, which is key to treating every person at risk of or with early signs of MH/SUD.[1] Supports could include SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline,[7] which provides counseling to those in emotional distress; the Disaster Technical Assistance Center,[8] which prepares communities to deliver an effective MH/SUD-related response; and the Disaster Mobile App,[9] which provides resources to behavioral health first responders to better serve those experiencing distress during disaster events.