Floor SpeechNeutral2018-07-25

MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

HealthcareTaxesTradeVeterans

Context

On 2018-07-25, Representative Robin L. Kelly (D-IL-2) delivered a floor speech titled "MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, trade policy.

Full Text

MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 164 Issue 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018) [Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)] [House] [Pages H7161-H7162] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Kelly) for 5 minutes. Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health challenges do not discriminate. They affect Americans of all ages, races, backgrounds, and genders. It doesn't matter if you are from a blue State, a red State, or a swing State. Mental illness is in your community. It affects your family and exists in your friend group and with your coworkers. Tragically, while mental health challenges impact so many people across the board, too many never see or get treatment because of the stigma associated with mental healthcare. It shames them into silence. So it is fitting that this year's theme is ``CureStigma.'' While stigma keeps far too many from seeking and receiving the care that they need, the silence of stigma plagues African American populations and other ethnic groups. It is a sad and staggering statistic that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than their White counterparts but just 25 percent will seek care. There is a tragic inequity in that figure, given that 40 percent of their White counterparts will seek care. Is this a matter of stigma? Of access to care, culturally competent care, and associated resources? Or perhaps a combination of them all. Mr. Speaker, it is past time that we tackle the stigma associated with mental health that keeps too many trapped without hope, recourse, or recovery. As for access to care, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance plans are required to cover mental health services, just as they would cover cancer screenings and tetanus shots. Still, this administration, either through cruelty or willful ignorance, has actively attacked the mental health requirement and sought to push bad or, as I call them, junk insurance plans that neglect mental health services. We must do better. Congress must be better. Too many, especially in vulnerable populations, are still in desperate need of this care. That is why I am proud to be cosponsoring the Mental Health in Schools Act offered by my good friend, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. This bill will provide comprehensive mental health programs to students in schools, with a special focus on dealing with trauma and violence. Congress can make a world of difference today, if we pass this bill. I am also proud to be cosponsoring the Veterans Mental Health Accessibility Act introduced by my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Matt Cartwright. His bill would make veterans who serve in combat zones eligible for more mental health services through the VA. This is really commonsense legislation. With more than 20 of our brave veterans committing suicide daily, it is of critical importance that we pass this bill. [[Page H7162]] In closing, I want to remind everyone, my colleagues, and those watching at home on C-SPAN that mental health is something that we can all work on. Simple, small, everyday things can make a huge difference. Here is my personal top five. First, take care of your body. It is all connected. Even a little bit of exercise or even a little more sleep can improve mood, reduce stress, and improve your health all around. Second, find a stress management strategy that works for you. For some, it is reading or running, while for others, it is coffee with friends or takeout and a movie. Do whatever works for you. Third, surround yourself with good people, be it family, friends, or someone you can trust in your community. Fourth, volunteerism is a great way to get out of your own head and give back to your community. It is good for you and great for your community. Finally, if you or someone you love needs help, please get it. Don't let stigma hold you back. Mr. Speaker, as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, let's cure stigma. ____________________

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MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 164 Issue 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018) [Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)] [House] [Pages H7161-H7162] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Kelly) for 5 minutes. Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health challenges do not discriminate. They affect Americans of all ages, races, backgrounds, and genders. It doesn't matter if you are from a blue State, a red State, or a swing State. Mental illness is in your community. It affects your family and exists in your friend group and with your coworkers. Tragically, while mental health challenges impact so many people across the board, too many never see or get treatment because of the stigma associated with mental healthcare. It shames them into silence. So it is fitting that this year's theme is ``CureStigma.'' While stigma keeps far too many from seeking and receiving the care that they need, the silence of stigma plagues African American populations and other ethnic groups. It is a sad and staggering statistic that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than their White counterparts but just 25 percent will seek care. There is a tragic inequity in that figure, given that 40 percent of their White counterparts will seek care. Is this a matter of stigma? Of access to care, culturally competent care, and associated resources? Or perhaps a combination of them all. Mr. Speaker, it is past time that we tackle the stigma associated with mental health that keeps too many trapped without hope, recourse, or recovery. As for access to care, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance plans are required to cover mental health services, just as they would cover cancer screenings and tetanus shots. Still, this administration, either through cruelty or willful ignorance, has actively attacked the mental health requirement and sought to push bad or, as I call them, junk insurance plans that neglect mental health services. We must do better. Congress must be better. Too many, especially in vulnerable populations, are still in desperate need of this care. That is why I am proud to be cosponsoring the Mental Health in Schools Act offered by my good friend, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. This bill will provide comprehensive mental health programs to students in schools, with a special focus on dealing with trauma and violence. Congress can make a world of difference today, if we pass this bill. I am also proud to be cosponsoring the Veterans Mental Health Accessibility Act introduced by my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Matt Cartwright. His bill would make veterans who serve in combat zones eligible for more mental health services through the VA. This is really commonsense legislation. With more than 20 of our brave veterans committing suicide daily, it is of critical importance that we pass this bill. [[Page H7162]] In closing, I want to remind everyone, my colleagues, and those watching at home on C-SPAN that mental health is something that we can all work on. Simple, small, everyday things can make a huge difference. Here is my personal top five. First, take care of your body. It is all connected. Even a little bit of exercise or even a little more sleep can improve mood, reduce stress, and improve your health all around. Second, find a stress management strategy that works for you. For some, it is reading or running, while for others, it is coffee with friends or takeout and a movie. Do whatever works for you. Third, surround yourself with good people, be it family, friends, or someone you can trust in your community. Fourth, volunteerism is a great way to get out of your own head and give back to your community. It is good for you and great for your community. Finally, if you or someone you love needs help, please get it. Don't let stigma hold you back. Mr. Speaker, as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, let's cure stigma. ____________________