ACL Announces MENTAL Health Innovation Challenge

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health this week launched the MENTAL Health Challenge, which is aimed at combating the social isolation and loneliness that senior adults, people with disabilities, and veterans are experiencing during the COVID-19 era and beyond. In total, $750,000 in prizes will be awarded for the development of an online system that offers recommendations for activities, programs, and resources to assist users connect to others and engage with their community based on their own personal interests, abilities, and needs. The winning system will be announced at CES this January and will ultimately become the centerpiece of a national public awareness campaign. "We need a multi-pronged public health approach to change the way we address social isolation, especially among our most at-risk populations," remarked U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome M. Adams. "This approach must include the development of innovative solutions to combat the harmful physical and mental health effects of social isolation and the role technology has in promoting better connections for all."