Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio)-State Senate Republicans have addressed the health care crisis by releasing proposals for the upcoming legislative session, targeting mental health care, support for a greater mental healthcare workforce, addressing youth mental health and improving the screening and support for maternal mental health.
"On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic our state and our nation are facing a mental health crisis," said Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford). "Stress, loneliness, job losses, loss of childcare, school closures, and loss of loved ones are just some of the ways the pandemic has taken a toll on people's emotional and mental health. Connecticut residents are experiencing these issues, and our state is also experiencing an overburdened mental health system that is making it even more difficult for people to access treatment. It is a priority for the Connecticut General Assembly to address the mental health crisis and help all people -- including women, children, and vulnerable populations -- across our state access needed, quality health care to support their mental health and the health of their loved ones."
"At a time when mental health disorders are increasing at an alarming rate and the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened stressors such as social isolation, economic insecurity, anxiety and fears of infection, and financial hardship, we must act to support all people access mental health supports," said Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore Paul Formica (R-East Lyme).
Groton State Senator heather Somers said the system of healthcare is disjointed and disconnected. "There's no continuum of care. People search for days to try to find help. We don't have enough providers. There's no coordination between our local schools and the healthcare community in a local setting."