On August 31, 2022, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking information on SAMHSA's Role in Possible Agency Actions Regarding Mental Health and Substance Use Wellbeing in the Context of Climate Change and Health Equity. SAMHSA requested input on such issues as lessons learned from past climate-related emergencies, potential top priorities concerning climate change and health equity, research priorities, resources, and collaboration with governmental and non-governmental partners.
The deadline for comments was October 31, 2022. SAMHSA received 77 responses to the RFI ranging from 1-2 paragraphs to 20+ pages. Commenters included: medical and trade associations, academia, government officials (some making comments in their private capacity), private individuals (no evident affiliation), consulting firms, nonprofits/community organizations, and health care and behavioral health providers (active and retired). Based on SAMHSA’s analysis, this report provides a high-level summary of the key messages or themes from the RFI comments.
As noted in the RFI, it was for informational and planning purposes only and was not a solicitation for applications or an obligation on the part of the government to provide support for any ideas identified in response to it.
Key Ideas
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Climate change is a social determinant of mental health
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Behavioral health systems must become “climate-informed”
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Intergenerational trauma will be one of the layered effects of climate-related environmental change