Mental Health Funding
Addressing health concerns in Utah is of primary importance.
An overwhelming majority of people in the United States think the country is experiencing a mental health crisis.
According to the CDC, suicide was the leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10 to 17. It is the second leading cause of death for ages 18-24 and ages 25 to 44 and the fifth leading cause of death for ages 45-64. Overall, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for Utahns (age-adjusted rate). Suicide deaths are only part of the problem. More people are hospitalized or treated in emergency rooms for suicide attempts than are fatally injured.
Reducing prescription drug costs, increasing mental health services, ensuring Mental Health parity, expanding suicide prevention and substance abuse addiction programs, decreasing Youth Vaping, removing Medicaid enrollment barriers and ensuring our Public Health is funded are all vital to improving our overall health, well-being, and longevity.
• Increase the number of licensed Mental Health Professionals by increasing the number of grants available to graduate students.
• Ensure Mental Health Parity and access to online Mental Health services.
• Support Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention programs including funding for: Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Gun lock distribution, Gun Safe Rebate Programs, Epidemiology and the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition programs.
Did you know?
The crisis mental-health hotline saw an 891% spike in calls during the pandemic.
The SafeUT Crisis Chat and Tip Line is a 24/7 statewide service providing real-time crisis intervention to youth – right from a smartphone. State funding is needed to expand the program to the National Guard, Veterans and Adults.
• Substance Abuse has been identified as a concern for residents. Let's end opioid addiction through policies and programs including providing continued funding for Naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose.
Did you know?
Utah provides funds for Naloxone availability, but no funds are provided for distribution.
• Support research on Brain Injuries and PTSD.
‣ Direct public health funds toward treatment programs for PTSD and suicidal thoughts.
‣ Support programs working to minimize the effects from Brain Injuries.
• Eliminate access barriers to medical marijuana.
• Decrease youth vaping and cigarette smoking.
‣ Assessing a reasonable excise tax on vaping products
‣ Requiring Vape shops to implement age verification systems
• Provide incentives and public health funding to implementing physical, psychological and financial wellness programs.