• Work with county and individual city police departments , fire departments , and other first responder groups to create or expand trauma and other support groups . Create the equivalent of Peer Support Specialists for first responders .
• Expand or replicate the LRH " VIP " program at other facilities , in which first responders , hospital staff and others in high profile groups in need of care can receive discreet access to E . D . and behavioral health services to maintain confidentiality .
Action Area : Individuals of Lower Socioeconomic Status
People with lower incomes who may find themselves unemployed or underemployed may have a lack of financial means to provide healthcare or insurance to themselves or their families , tend to face tremendous risk . In addition , national reports have shown that many people suffer from poverty due to a health crisis . 24
JAMA Psychiatry published a report sharing the results of a longitudinal study examining the relationship between income , mental disorders , and suicide attempts . The results show that the presence of certain mental disorders was associated with lower levels of income . The study showed that participants with household income of less than $ 20,000 per year were at increased risk of incident mood disorders in comparison with those with income of $ 70,000 or more per year . The study concluded that “ Low levels of household income are associated with several lifetime mental disorders and suicide attempts , and a reduction in household income is associated with increased risk of mental disorders .” 25
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large number of people experiencing reduced income , as well as increased mental health and substance misuse needs . KFF conducted a study entitled , “ The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use ,” and they reported that , “ Research shows that job loss is associated with increased depression , anxiety , distress , and low self-esteem and may lead to higher rates of substance use disorder and suicide . Recent polling data shows that more than half of the people who lost income or employment reported negative mental health impacts from worry or stress over coronavirus ….” 26
• “ For people without insurance , there aren ' t enough options and people get lost in system .”
• “ Easier way to get affordable medication .”
• “ Everyone should have health insurance .” Examples of Potential Interventions for Stage 3
• Streamline processes to make it easier for people to qualify for free or reduced cost healthcare and medications .
• Improve promotion of free or reduced-cost healthcare .
24 https :// link . springer . com / article / 10.1007 / s11606-019-05002-w
25
JAMA Psychiatry . https :// jamanetwork . com / journals / jamapsychiatry / fullarticle / 211213
26
KFF . https :// www . kff . org / coronavirus-covid-19 / issue-brief / the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-andsubstanceuse /#:~: text = Recent % 20polling % 20data % 20shows % 20that , compared % 20to % 20higher % 20income % 20people .
29