HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – Many people in the region are concerned the “Big, Beautiful Bill” could negatively impact mental healthcare access for millions.
With the latest details regarding the bill, some people are worried how they will be affected.
“The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ has a lot of aspects that are going to affect the way high education works, the way welfare works, and the way healthcare works in this country,” said University of Pikeville Assistant Professor of Political Science, Jeffery Tyler Syck.
Syck said it is good to keep up with the headlines, but important to take the time to be mindful and process the information.
“It’s really important to stay up to date with current events. We live in a democracy, which means we’re the people who govern. Which is really cool, but also an awesome responsibility,” Syck said. “We have to pick our representatives and we have to reward or punish them for enacting policies we like or dislike. So, we have this responsibility to keep up with the news.”
Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioners at Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky said it is normal to worry, but help is just a step away.
“There’s a lot of mental health that’s not treated. So, if you feel like you are having symptoms, not feeling your normal self, it’s good to come in and talk to one of us,” said Psychiatric Health Nurse Practitioner Kelsey Lowe. “It doesn’t mean we have to do medication. We can just talk about it and see what’s going on.”
Nurse Practitioner Sherry Kelly said if you find yourself worrying, it might be a good idea to take a break from scrolling.
“If it’s causing you a lot of anxiety, definitely need a social media break,” she said.
Kelly said if you do want to reach out for help, they offer psychiatric services at six of their locations. You can find more information about those centers here.
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