Supporting Mental Health Month

Floor Speech

SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH MONTH -- (House of Representatives - June 03, 2009)

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Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 437, providing full support of the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month, which is recognized annually in May. I commend my colleague, and fellow Californian Rep. Napolitano, for acknowledging the importance of this measure and presenting it before the House.

The first Mental Health Act was signed in 1946 after it had been determined that soldiers who fought in World War II had returned with severe mental health issues. Still today a significant portion of individuals who suffer from mental illness are troops who suffer from depression and post-traumatic stress. Shortly after the act was signed the first Mental Health Week was developed. Eventually Mental Health Week evolved into the Mental Health Month program that we are celebrating today.

Legislation regarding mental health has been developed in the past to prevent health care discrimination. Patients experienced grave inequalities because mental health was not considered a legitimate issue, as too often mental health is viewed as a minuscule issue in comparison to physical health. Many people may not know that more than 57,000,000 individuals in the United States suffer from mental illness and H. Res 437 will not only raise awareness of mental health conditions but also aid citizens in their ability to combat stress to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Unfortunately, every year mental health illnesses go unrecognized and untreated, and Mental Health Month was developed in an effort to prevent such circumstances. This May, Mental Health America has promoted a National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, to educate the general public about the realities of mental health. Mental health illnesses affect all age ranges, and House Resolution 437 lends its full support for communities to promote positive youth development, and help families cope during times of hardship. The United States Department of Health and Human Services utilizes necessary funds and manpower to advocate for the rights and services of mental health patients. It will continue to provide Family and Community Support Programs to aid those adults and children with serious mental illnesses.

Mr. Speaker, this measure is particularly important to the well-being of our citizens and I'm pleased to add my voice in support for this legislation. I will work diligently with my colleagues to ensure that the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month are recognized as notable issues. This is a significant step in raising awareness, and promoting healthy families and communities.

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