Washington, D.C. – House Republicans are requesting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into the federal government’s management of unspent mental health funding, including COVID-19 emergency money and funds provided to launch the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Background
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) received nearly $8 billion in COVID-19 supplemental funding and approximately $1 billion in new funds to launch the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2022. However, only about half of the COVID-19 funds and $350 million of the 9-8-8 funds have been spent by grantees.
Concerns Raised
House Republicans, led by Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), expressed concerns about the slow pace of spending and SAMHSA’s oversight of the funding. They argue that the unspent funds are hindering efforts to address the growing mental health crisis in the United States, where an estimated 53 million adults have a mental illness, including 14 million with serious mental illness.
Investigation Requested
In a letter to the GAO, Rodgers requested an investigation into the following:
Reasons for the delay in spending mental health funds
SAMHSA’s oversight of the funding
The impact of the unspent funds on mental health services
Conclusion
The House Republicans’ request for a GAO investigation highlights concerns about the federal government’s ability to effectively manage mental health funding. The investigation is expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of the factors contributing to the slow pace of spending and make recommendations for improving the oversight and utilization of these funds.
The findings of the investigation will be crucial for ensuring that individuals with mental illness have access to the necessary services and support, particularly in light of the ongoing mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.