Hurricanes Katrina & Rita: Addressing the Victims' Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Needs


 

Publication Date: October 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

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Abstract:

The Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has three primary mechanisms of providing federal funding to meet the mental health and substance abuse prevention needs of victims of recent hurricanes: the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP), SAMHSA Emergency Response Grants (SERG), and supplemental appropriations. CCPs may be of interest to Congress, as questions have arisen regarding their appropriate scope and duration following two previous large-scale emergency situations (the Oklahoma City bombing, and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks). SERG may also be of interest, as Congress may consider amending or suspending existing law to enhance the availability of grant money. Congress has already passed two supplemental appropriations . This may lead Congress to consider a range of oversight options. This report will be updated as needed.