Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow Joshua Wortzel, M.D., provided expert commentary at a U.S. Congressional briefing on July 20 in support of the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2023, a bipartisan bill that would fund community-led mental health initiatives.

Speaking in his capacity as chair of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) committee on climate change, Wortzel informed lawmakers of the widespread mental health consequences posed by global warming and natural disasters.  

“Heat waves and increasing temperatures are associated with higher rates of suicide, violence, and mental health hospitalizations,” he said. “Droughts, floods, wildfires, and hurricanes directly contribute to psychological trauma.”

Wortzel urged the passage of the bill to expand access to mental health providers at a time when their services will be most needed. 

Wortzel was one of five national leaders to speak at the briefing, organized by the International Transformational Resilience Coalition. He was appointed Chair of the APA Committee on Climate Change and Mental Health earlier this year. 

Watch Wortzel’s remarks at the briefing below: