Survey of mayors cite MH crisis a top concern

Abstract

An “unprecedented” mental health crisis is overwhelming U.S. cities, which lack adequate resources to address growing challenges, according to a new report released today by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Bloomberg news agency reported June 3. In recent years, the COVID‐19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, particularly those involving substance abuse, said a survey of mayors of 117 cities in 39 states. “The report also cited “staggering increases in stress, depression, isolation, loneliness and accompanying mental health hurdles faced by Americans of all ages.” In a survey conducted this spring, 97% of mayors said requests for mental health services increased in their city in the past two years, but 88% lack resources to address the crisis. Substance use disorders topped the list of mental and behavioral health problems in 65% of cities, followed by homelessness stemming from mental illness in 56%. Other challenges included shortages of mental and behavioral health workers, including school counselors, as well as a lack of access to behavioral health services. Although the vast majority of cities reported inadequate mental health resources, 82% have developed new initiatives and/or increased funding to mental health programs. Ninety‐three percent reported that they have improved their emergency response to behavioral health crises. Meanwhile, 94% of cities said their police department provides mental health programs to officers.