Federal News & Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 30, 2021 – The extreme heat that much of thethe country is experiencing has significant impacts on mental health alongside serious physical health impacts. Some groups, including people with pre-existing mental health conditions, are especially vulnerable.

Extreme heat has been associated with a range of mental health impacts in research over many years, including increases in irritability and symptoms of depression and with an increase in suicide. It can also affect behavior, contributing to increased aggression, incidence of domestic violence, and increased use of alcohol or other substances to cope with stress.

Research has also linked high temperatures to problems with memory, attention and reaction time. Sleep difficulties associated with extreme heat can contribute to and further...

The American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Physicians, American Osteopathic Association, and American Psychiatric Association issue this statement:

"On the heels of today's U.S. Supreme Court ruling in California v. Texas, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains the law of the land and can continue to build on its tremendous progress improving access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage for all Americans. Our organizations, representing nearly 600,000 physicians and medical students, celebrate the coverage gains and patient protections the ACA has achieved for our patients. As our country emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare coverage provided through the ACA is as ...