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As a public health administrator, you will have a good understanding of the historical and current events that shape the state of health care delivery in the United States.

Identify a current event that creates a need for improvement or adaptation in the way health care is delivered in the United States.
What data supports your current event selection?
What historical events are related to this current event?
How will the U.S. health care system need to improve or adapt to respond to this current event?

1 answer

Current Event: Rise in Mental Health Issues Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

Description of the Current Event

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in June 2020, 40.9% of adults in the U.S. reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, compared to about 36% in the months before the pandemic. More recently, data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that mental health challenges have persisted, contributing to a growing crisis in mental health care.

Supporting Data

  • Prevalence: The CDC's 2020 data indicates a stark increase in mental health issues, with nearly one in three Americans experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms.
  • Suicide Rates: The National Vital Statistics Reports indicate that there was a concerning rise in suicide rates and drug overdose deaths during the pandemic.
  • Access to Care: A survey by the American Psychological Association in 2021 noted that many individuals facing mental health issues experienced barriers to accessing care, with 50% of respondents indicating that they felt confused about where to get help.

Related Historical Events

  • Previous Health Crises: Similar spikes in mental health disorders have been observed in the aftermath of other crises, including the 9/11 attacks and the Great Recession, which established a pattern of increased demand for mental health services during and after periods of national trauma.
  • Legislative Changes: The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (2008) and the Affordable Care Act (2010) increased access to mental health services, setting a precedent for how to approach mental health care access during crises.

Necessary Improvements or Adaptations in U.S. Health Care Delivery

To effectively respond to the current event of rising mental health issues, the U.S. health care system must undergo several significant adaptations and improvements:

  1. Expansion of Mental Health Services: Increase the availability of mental health services, including telehealth options, to ensure that individuals can access care conveniently, especially in rural or underserved areas.

  2. Integration of Mental Health Care: Foster integration of mental health services within primary care systems to reduce stigma and improve holistic patient care pathways.

  3. Crisis Intervention Services: Develop and fund more crisis intervention and peer support programs to address acute mental health needs and provide immediate support, reducing the reliance on emergency services.

  4. Workforce Development: Invest in training and education for mental health professionals to enhance the workforce's ability to cope with the increased demand, including incentives for professionals to serve in high-need areas.

  5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Implement campaigns that promote mental health awareness, aiming to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek help.

  6. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for legislation that improves mental health coverage and addresses systemic barriers, ensuring that mental health services are accessible and affordable.

  7. Data Surveillance and Research: Strengthen data collection and research on mental health trends to anticipate future needs and inform resource allocation effectively.

By taking these steps, the U.S. health care system can better adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by the current mental health crisis, ultimately ensuring that mental health care is treated as a priority within the broader health care framework.