RISE looks at recent headlines concerning social determinants of health (SDoH).
HHS invests $41.5M in mental health and substance use disorders
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced this week $41.5 million in funding to expand services for mental health and substance use disorders across lifespans.
A portion of the investment, $15.3 million, will fund services specifically for children and youth, including offering mental health services in school settings, serving children and families who have experienced traumatic events and grief, and providing services specific to young people of transitional ages who are at risk for, or have serious mental health conditions.
“Be it fostering wellness in young people, caring for the unhoused, facilitating treatment and more, this funding directly supports the needs of our neighbors,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement. “These investments will empower communities to implement effective solutions that promote long-term healing and resilience.”
Cigna announces initiative to advance health equity
The Cigna Group announced this week the launch of The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund, a new initiative that aims to address health disparities in vulnerable communities.
The initiative, which will invest $9 million over a three-year period, will work with nonprofit organizations in local communities where health disparities are most prevalent to improve health outcomes. The initiative will start in Houston, Texas and Hartford, Conn.
Initial program goals include providing nutrition education and fresh food access as well as increased transportation access for health care visits.
For information on the program and application process, click here.
Federal task force releases recommendations for internet safety
The Biden administration’s Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force, which is co-led by HHS’ SAMHSA and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), released a new report this week with recommendations and best practices for safer social media and internet use for youth.
RELATED: Surgeon General calls for warning label on social media
“As young people spend more of their lives online, it is past time to act and do more to protect them,” said Task Force Co-Chair Alan Davidson, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and NTIA administrator, in a statement. “This Task Force report outlines practices and design choices that companies can implement today to prioritize the privacy of kids, their well-being. and their ability to thrive online. Our report suggests changes that will help young people safely navigate and enjoy all the benefits the Internet offers, while minimizing the risks they face.”
In the report, the task force, which was announced in May 2023, summarizes:
- The risks and benefits of social media on the health, safety, and privacy of young people
- Best practices for parents and caregivers to engage children in conversations about safe internet use
- Recommended practices for online service providers
- A research agenda for further studies on the harms associated with social media and online platforms
- Suggested future work for the federal government and policymakers
Click here to read the full report.