The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of High-Risk Populations

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on communities throughout the world. The short- and long-term psychological impact at this time is not known, but anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health disorders are likely to occur in the general population. Those with previous history of mental health and/or substance use disorders, those incarcerated, and frontline healthcare and essential workers are at even greater risk. Proposed Solution to the Problem: Because the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest public health crises in history, the convening of multiple stakeholder groups is needed to gain a better understanding of the mental health impact from those at greatest risk of mental illness related to the pandemic, which will better inform research questions, strategies, and studies. Objectives: The short-term objectives are to: Facilitate an inclusive dialogue with patients, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to set and address research priorities related to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the mental health of populations at greatest risk Disseminate project outcomes via a summit and other avenues Establish a task force to formalize a research agenda. The long-term objective is to support those at greatest risk of experiencing a mental health crisis due to the pandemic and potentially translating the research findings to other populations and circumstances.