What We’re Reading: Medicaid Expansion for Mental Health; CVD Surge by 2050; MDMA-Based Therapy for PTSD

Medicaid Expanding Funding for Mental Health, Substance Use Clinics

HHS has announced that certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs) in 10 additional states will now be eligible for Medicaid reimbursements, according to The Hill. This expansion, under the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration Program, aims to enhance access to comprehensive mental health and substance use services, including 24-hour crisis intervention. The move follows the Safer Communities Act of 2022, which broadened the program to address the escalating mental health crisis after the COVID-19 pandemic.

American Heart Association Warns of Surge in CVD by 2050

New research from the American Heart Association has forecasted that 61% of US adults will have cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050, largely due to increasing cases of high blood pressure and an aging population, according to CNN. Additionally, the number of adults experiencing heart attacks, arrhythmias, heart failure, and congenital heart disease is expected to rise significantly. To combat these trends, the study called for targeted clinical and public health interventions, particularly for communities of color who are disproportionately affected by heart problems.

FDA Panel to Review MDMA-Based Therapy for PTSD

An FDA advisory panel is set to discuss the potential approval of an MDMA (or ecstasy)-based therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a significant milestone for psychedelic drug treatment, according to Reuters. The therapy combines MDMA capsules with talk therapy and has shown promise in clinical trials. Despite concerns over trial methodology and potential adverse effects, the therapy could offer a new treatment avenue for the 13 million Americans affected by PTSD.