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Recognizing National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 30, 2022
Location: Washington, DC

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and next week as Mental Illness Awareness Week.

National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month is aimed to raise awareness of the need for accessible mental health screenings and to provide support to people facing mental health conditions, ensuring that they don't feel alone.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness study found that one in five people in Iowa navigates the reality of living with a mental health condition. Mental health affects everyone, and it is important that Congress implements legislation to support Americans who are struggling.

I am proud of the work that Congress and the FCC have done to implement the 988 crisis hotline, which has changed the 10-digit hotline to a 3-digit number that everyone can remember.

The hotline provides immediate support around the clock, but Congress can and should do more. I hope my colleagues will take this month to reflect on our current system and think of ways we can expand mental health resources, perhaps changing it to brain health.

In working together to address brain health, we can save countless lives.

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