Funding for the ACP Means Supporting Mental Health and Wellness for Americans in Need

As many have experienced, either personally or through a friend or loved one, the pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health. Since 2020, individuals and youth have experienced an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression across the United States and worldwide. Youth have been especially impacted as the rates of suicide increased significantly just months into the pandemic, particularly for non-hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native and non-Hispanic Black youth, while overall suicide rates increased four percent from 2020 to 2021. In turn, the need for mental health services has increased exponentially. The pandemic also created additional barriers to receiving services due to the dangers of in-person close proximity contamination. Using telehealth residents can meet with a licensed mental health professional online and access access essential medications. In fact, since 2021, telehealth services now make up almost half of in total visits for behavioral health, giving individuals mental health supports from the safety of home. The Federal Communications Commission, the agency responsible for rolling out the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), has emphasized the connection between broadband access and mental health. ACP has helped introduced broadband in low-income households for the first time and ensures that others can stay connected. Without continued funding for the program, individuals and families are not only in jeopardy of losing reliable Internet access, they risk losing a vital connection to mental health care, which can have a devastating impact.