Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Mental Health and Substance Use Wellbeing in the Context of Climate Change
On January 27, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14008 (Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad). Recognizing that “we face a climate crisis that threatens our people and communities, public health and economy, and, starkly, our ability to live on planet Earth,” EO 14008 called for a “government-wide approach” to climate change and development of agency action plans to “bolster adaptation and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change.”
On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government), which called upon Agencies to take steps to enhance programs for underserved communities.
On August 31, 2022, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a notice of request for information about how SAMHSA can best address the behavioral health impacts of climate change and health equity considerations. (87 Fed. Reg. 53477, Aug. 31, 2022). SAMHSA sought input on suggested priorities, resources, partners, and collaborating agencies and organizations, and about how its programs, technical assistance and training, and other resources can support clients, providers, family members and communities in confronting the impacts of climate change.
Biden Administration (2021-2025)
Request for Information: SAMHSA’s Role in Possible Agency Actions Regarding Mental Health and Substance Use Wellbeing in the Context of Climate Change and Health Equity
On August 31, 2022, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a notice of request for information about how SAMHSA can best address the behavioral health impacts of climate change and health equity considerations. (87 Fed. Reg. 53477, Aug. 31, 2022). SAMHSA sought input on suggested priorities, resources, partners, and collaborating agencies and organizations, and about how its programs, technical assistance and training, and other resources can support clients, providers, family members and communities in confronting the impacts of climate change.