COVID-19 triggered an unprecedented mental health crisis — especially amongst kids. Global levels of poverty and hunger are on the rise, and school closures have subjected millions of children to domestic violence, abuse and neglect.
As a result, 14% of the world's children and adolescents are struggling with depression, anxiety and other stress-related conditions. Strong mental health and psychosocial well-being are essential to kids' development, yet less than 1% of global health assistance has ever been designated to address it.
We have a chance to change that. I'm writing to urge you to co-sponsor the Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act for the millions of children in urgent need of support.
The MINDS Act is the first ever legislation to address mental health in U.S. foreign assistance. If passed, the bill would codify the position of USAID Coordinator for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), require the Department of State and USAID to integrate MHPSS programming across regional bureaus and missions and require the Executive Branch to brief Congress on barriers to MHPSS programming.
Investments in mental health can help break cycles of poverty and build the resilience of vulnerable communities. I hope you'll co-sponsor the MINDS Act (H.R. 3988/S.2015) to ensure kids around the world grow up happy and healthy – and continue to thrive in adulthood.
