[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, October 3-9 is Mental Illness 
Awareness Week. During any one-year period, up to 50 million 
Americans--more than 22 percent--suffer from a clearly diagnosable 
mental disorder involving a degree of incapacity that interferes with 
employment, attendance at school or daily life. Like so many disorders, 
mental illness does not discriminate and affects every age, ethnic, and 
socioeconomic group.
  During this week, there will be a more visible push in the 
communities to get the information out about mental illness. There will 
be booths set up and mental health fairs across our country as a way to 
reach out to more people. I commend the efforts of organizations and 
individuals who not only during this week but throughout the year work 
to help others identify and treat their mental illness.
  Unfortunately, their hard work is somewhat stifled when there is not 
equal health care for mental illness or every person needing 
psychiatric care does not have access to a psychiatrist of their 
choice. With one in four adults suffering from a mental illness or 
substance use disorder in any year, it is likely that every family will 
feel this impact. Yet, most health plans discriminate by providing less 
care for mental illness, and by requiring patients and their families 
to pay more out-of-pocket costs.
  Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to correct this disparity. Our 
constituents should not be penalized because they have a mental illness 
compared to a physical illness. We should ensure that the mental health 
system provide a more individualized and holistic approach to care 
without shame or inequity in coverage. Mental illness is like most 
physical illnesses; the patient is in need of treatment, support and 
rehabilitation.

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