Mental Health Crisis by Elyssa Marapao

1963

elmarapao — 2025-05-27 06:45:06 UTC

President John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act. This law aimed to replace large mental hospitals with community centers, but was not fully funded. As a result, many people with mental illness were released without proper support, increasing homelessness and crises.

1981

elmarapao — 2025-05-27 06:45:06 UTC

The federal government cut mental health funding through the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Under President Reagan, many mental health programs lost money, and the responsibility was given to the states. This caused thousands of community mental health centers to shut down, making care harder to access.

2020

elmarapao — 2025-05-27 06:45:06 UTC

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a major rise in mental health problems across the U.S. According to the CDC, "symptoms of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder increased considerably" during the early months of the pandemic: many people, especially teenagers, experienced stress, isolation, and fear.

2025

elmarapao — 2025-05-27 06:45:06 UTC

All public middle and high schools begin teaching mental health education. State governments will require schools to include lessons about mental health to help students understand their emotions, reduce stigma, and know when to ask for help.

2026

elmarapao — 2025-05-27 06:59:00 UTC

The U.S. government will double funding for school counselors in high school areas. With that support, more schools can hire trained counselors, helping students get early support for mental health concerns.

2027

elmarapao — 2025-05-27 07:00:00 UTC

Every state will launch mobile mental health clinics to reach more people. These mobile units will travel to rural and undeserved communities, giving people access to free therapy, medications, and crisis support closer to home.

2028

elmarapao — 2025-05-27 18:48:50 UTC

All U.S. states will pass laws to require yearly mental health education in public schools. This will help students learn how to talk about their feelings, understand mental illness, and know how to get help. It will also reduce stigma, which has been a big problem in schools and families for many years.