Americans name mental health the top public-health priority for federal officials

Nov 19–22, 2024 · n = 1,000 · MoE ±3.4%Source report ↗

Core finding

Of all the health challenges the federal government could take on, one rises above the rest for Americans: three-in-ten (30%) name mental health as the most important public health issue for U.S. federal officials to focus on, according to a Verasight survey conducted Nov. 19-22, 2024.

Access to care follows at 20%, with gun violence (16%) and substance abuse (12%) next. Smaller shares prioritize nutrition (7%), environmental health (5%), or infectious diseases (5%), and 4% name something else.

Topline distribution

Americans name mental health the top public-health priority for federal officials.

In your opinion, what is the most important public health issue U.S. federal officials should be focusing on at this time?

Mental health
30.1%
Access to care
20.1%
Gun violence
15.9%
Substance abuse
12.3%
Nutrition
7.2%
Environmental health
5.3%
Infectious diseases
5.0%
Other (please specify)
4.1%

n = 1,000 · Nov 19–22, 2024 · MoE ±3.4%

ModeVerasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
PopulationUnited States adults
Field datesNov 19–22, 2024
Base (unweighted)1,000
Margin of error±3.4%
ModuleB
SponsorVerasight
Weight variableweight
Weighting targetsage, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

Sources

  1. 01

    In your opinion, what is the most important public health issue U.S. federal officials should be focusing on at this time?

    verasight-apha-2024.tiiny.co

Cite this question

Verasight APHA Omnibus Survey #2024-122, fielded November 19-22, 2024, N=1,000 United States adults, +/- 3.4%.