[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 124 (Thursday, September 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNITION OF GAREN AND SHARI STAGLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2002

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition 
of Garen and Shari Staglin for their many contributions to the mental 
health community. As founders of Napa Valley's Music Festival for 
Mental Health, they have raised community and regional awareness about 
the importance of mental health services, as well as millions of 
dollars for mental health research and treatment programs.
  Approximately one in five Americans are affected by some form of 
mental illness. Under-funded research programs and professional 
shortages, however, mean that those who are suffering from mental 
diseases and disorders cannot always get the treatment they need.
  As long-standing supporters of the mental health community, Garen and 
Shari Staglin saw this unmet need and made a personal commitment to 
support programs that research and treat mental illness. Garen and 
Shari actively work as both fundraisers, and educators, increasing 
community and national knowledge of mental disease as well as 
generating the funding that allows substantial progress in research and 
treatment.
  Through the Music Festival for Mental Health, Garen, Shari, their 
family and their supporters have raised over $8.6 million since 1995. 
Funds have been donated to a variety of mental health research and 
treatment programs including those focusing on brain disorders, 
schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorders.
  Garen and Shari have made a critical difference—but they have 
done so in the shadows. Not seeking any personal recognition for their 
efforts, they have advocated tirelessly on behalf of suffering people 
who may have never heard their name. They are not seeking fame or 
credit or even thanks; they would much prefer the spotlight to shine on 
the mental health community.
  Desired or not, recognition is sincerely deserved. Garen and Shari's 
efforts have funded treatment programs, as well as the research that 
generates the medicines upon which many of those treatments are based. 
They have improved the lives of countless individuals, and they have 
done so with a quiet compassion and a singular focus that has prompted 
the involvement of their family, their friends and their community in 
their efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Garen and Shari Staglin. I 
congratulate them on the phenomenal success of the Music Festival for 
Mental Health and I join the mental health community in thanking them 
for their outstanding efforts on behalf of mental illness.

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