Workplace Mental Health

Best practices on substance use disorders (SUDs) and the workplace should be developed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Department of Labor (DOL), federal partners, large employers, employee assistance programs, and recovery support organizations.[1]

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) should develop a national standard on psychological health and safety in the workplace — similar to physical health and safety standards — to help organizations achieve measurable improvement in the psychological health of employees.[1]

Congress should pass the “Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act,” which would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services to report on proposed programs to make evidence-based treatments and preventive care available to police, fire, emergency medical and 911 personnel who experience job-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorder.[1][2]

Congress should pass the Farmers First Act of 2023 to reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), which would increase funding for the program, authorizing $15 million per year for the program for the next five years, up from $10 million.[1]

Federal entities that have oversight of agencies with essential workers, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, should include resources, funding, and guidance for mental health, emotional stress, and trauma support in Continuity of Operations Plans.[1]

Congress should pass the Healthy Families Act,[1] which would ensure paid sick leave, and the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act,[2] which would ensure twelve weeks of family or medical leave for workers.[3]