America’s crisis of despair: A federal task force for economic recovery and societal well-being

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The results that we have to date are stark. New first responder data from the National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) shows significant increases in mental distress, overdose rates, and suicides. Mental health and overdose calls to first responders have doubled in 2020 compared to both 2018 and 2019 (Figures 1-2). Suicides have seen an uptick also, but at a lower rate (Figure 3)

Author(s): Carol Graham

Publication Date: 10 February 2021

Publication Site: Brookings