Senator Markey, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support Mental Health for Communities Facing Climate Disaster, Anxiety

Press Release

With communities facing extreme weather events, worsening epidemics, and rising temperatures, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today introduced the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act, legislation to establish a first-of-its-kind $30 million pilot grant program through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to provide funding to community-based mental wellness and resilience programs designed to address the compounding systemic mental health issues faced by communities bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. Americans today are experiencing a growing mental health crisis, according to the American Psychological Association, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, and the weakening of community structures, which together have made the mental health of frontline environmental justice communities more vulnerable as they experience intensifying climate disasters.

"Across the country, environmental justice communities are living through the compounding crises of the coronavirus pandemic and continued climate disaster -- raging wildfires, historic drought, devastating flooding," said Senator Markey. "People are losing their homes to climate disaster and their loved ones to worsening pandemics. It has never been more clear that our mental health is tied to the health of our planet. Communities are at the front lines of making sure their friends, family and neighbors can get the help they need when they need it, but they are also the most affected by health care and climate crises. As we work to secure climate and public health investments in Congress, we must also do our part to empower communities to protect their mental health at a time of worry, stress, and uncertainty. Families on the frontlines of these crises deserve community resources for all aspects of their well-being."

"In every corner of the country communities are experiencing climate chaos. It's important to recognize that how we respond and deal with the trauma of natural disasters and the threat of future climate harms varies from person to person and community to community," said Senator Merkley. "The climate crisis is disproportionately affecting the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of future generations. Making sure there are resources and programs available for environmental justice and underserved communities is critical to addressing the compounding mental health concerns individuals and families in these communities experience."

"This legislation provides important mental health resources to those on the frontlines of climate change," said Senator Blumenthal. "Impacted Americans dealing with the aftermath of droughts, superstorms, and increasingly frequent catastrophic events deserve our support. The public health investments made today will ensure healthier, stronger communities tomorrow."

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) are cosponsors. Representatives Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) have introduced companion legislation in the House with co-sponsors Kathy Castor (FL-14), David Trone (MD-06), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Katie Porter (CA-45), and Mary Pertola (AK).

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