This bill expands federal disaster relief programs to explicitly cover substance use and alcohol use disorders, not just mental health services. It amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act so that crisis counseling assistance and training programs, which help disaster survivors cope with trauma, can also address addiction issues caused or worsened by a disaster. The change affects disaster survivors nationwide who may struggle with substance abuse in the aftermath of hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or other major disasters, as well as the organizations that provide this counseling. Within 180 days of enactment, FEMA must work with federal health officials and state drug and alcohol agencies to update relevant assistance applications and guidance to reflect these changes. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office is required to review and report to Congress on how long counseling assistance has been provided to individuals and whether FEMA is properly limiting the aid to disaster-related mental health and substance use issues.
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