Thanks everyone who has  signed, promoted, and donated to this cause! 

The Ketamine Taskforce is now starting on a call to action for our politicians by initially contacting them the old fashioned way- by letter. But we still need your help! Following is a letter which you can print out and send to your local congressman and senator. This letter explains the importance of mandating insurance to cover Ketamine. Let your voice be heard and united with others for this cause. We can make a difference.  Thank you!

Subject: Urgent Support Needed for Insurance Coverage of Ketamine Infusions

[Your Name]
 [Your Address]
 [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]
 [Date]

[Senator/Congressman's Name] 
[Office Address] 
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Senator/Congressman's Last Name],
I am writing to bring your attention to a critical matter that has the potential to transform mental health and pain treatment in our country— the urgent necessity of insurance coverage for ketamine infusions. As an essential medicine listed by the World Health Organization, ketamine has a long-standing reputation as an effective and well-tolerated anesthetic, widely used in pediatric anesthesia, battlefield medicine, and ambulances globally.

Over the past two decades, research has unveiled ketamine's emerging role in treating mental health conditions, especially those resistant to conventional therapies. We are currently facing a mental health and suicide crisis, and traditional medications and therapies are falling short. Ketamine, however, offers a faster and more effective alternative to most traditional antidepressants.

Research findings indicate that ketamine can rapidly alleviate suicidal ideation within 1 to 6 doses, with a remarkable 63% of study participants experiencing resolution of suicidal thoughts in just 3 days— a stark contrast to the 31.6% observed in the placebo group. Traditional antidepressants, in comparison, often take 6-8 weeks to exhibit significant effects and may only be effective in approximately one-third of patients.

Moreover, when compared to opioids, ketamine boasts a considerably lower potential for abuse in patients with complex, intractable pain conditions. As our nation grapples with an alarming opioid epidemic that resulted in nearly 107,000 deaths from opiate drug overdoses between 2021 and 2022, ketamine's safety profile becomes even more crucial. According to the CDC, ketamine was associated with about 30 deaths, typically in combination with other drugs, emphasizing the importance of its supervised use by trained medical and mental health professionals.

Furthermore, it is imperative to address the current inequity in insurance payouts for ketamine treatment. Access to this groundbreaking therapy should not be determined by one's financial means, yet the reality is that many individuals are unable to afford the out-of-pocket expenses associated with ketamine infusions. Mandating insurance coverage for ketamine treatment would bridge this gap, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, have equal access to this transformative therapy. By doing so, we can take a significant step towards a more equitable healthcare system, where the benefits of ketamine treatment are accessible to those who need it most, fostering a society that prioritizes mental health and well-being for everyone.

The Ketamine TaskForce is dedicated to advocating for the safe, clinical use of ketamine, recognizing its pivotal role in addressing the existing gap in mental health care. By securing insurance coverage for ketamine infusions, we can provide a swift and viable approach to those in dire need, ultimately saving lives and alleviating suffering.

I kindly urge you to consider supporting initiatives that ensure insurance companies cover ketamine infusions for mental health, chronic pain, and complex regional pain syndrome. Your advocacy in this matter can make a profound impact on countless lives, addressing a critical need in our healthcare system.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this pressing issue. I look forward to hearing about your support for this crucial cause.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]