[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1120-E1122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF A BEBE MOORE CAMPBELL 
            NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ALBERT RUSSELL WYNN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, as the House of Representatives debates H. 
Con. Res. 134, a resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that 
there should be established a Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority 
Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental 
illness, especially within minority communites, I would like to submit 
the following eight endorsement letters for the Record.
                                                     May 20, 2008.
     Edward S. Hubbard, Jr., Esq.,
     Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel,
     Office of Congressman Albert R. Wynn.
       To Whom It May Concern: We, the members of the ``D.C. 
     Divas,'' also make up the Bebe Moore Campbell National 
     Minority Mental Health Task Force. We are writing to strongly 
     urge you to support H. Con. Res. 134, which establishes the 
     month of July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental 
     Health Awareness Month.
       As friends and fellow advocates, we witnessed Ms. 
     Campbell's tireless efforts to educate people throughout the 
     country about mental health. Because a member of her family 
     suffers with mental illness, she knew firsthand that the 
     disease is a leading cause of disability in the United 
     States. One out of every four American families is affected 
     by mental illness.
       In her own search for information and services, Ms. 
     Campbell found compassionate support within the community of 
     people, who like her, had loved ones struggling with the 
     disease. She also discovered that minorities suffering from 
     mental illness lack access to culturally and linguistically 
     competent mental health care. Compounding these challenges 
     are the cultural stigma associated with mental health 
     diagnosis and treatment, and a dearth of education and 
     resources for minority families supporting a mentally ill 
     loved. Always one to do whatever she could to solve a 
     problem, Ms. Campbell joined several other people from black 
     communities in Los Angeles to found the National Alliance for 
     the Mentally Ill--Urban Los Angeles.
       Establishing July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority 
     Mental Health Awareness Month will raise awareness about 
     mental illness and mental health disparities among minorities 
     nationwide. This modest effort will improve public health by 
     encouraging the expansion of vital care in underserved 
     communities in every state.
       Ms. Campbell, a noted author whose works became New York 
     Times bestsellers, died on November 27, 2006 of brain cancer 
     complications. By this time, she had become a national 
     spokeswoman for minority mental health issues, using her 
     celebrity status and creativity to address the issues 
     surrounding mental illness. Her last works before her death 
     included the best selling novel ``72 Hour Hold,'' a book 
     about a mother's struggle to get aid for her mentally ill 
     daughter, and the children's book, ``Sometimes My Mommy Gets 
     Angry,'' about a young girl whose mother is mentally ill.
       The family of the late Ms. Campbell fully endorses this 
     initiative and seeks the help of all Members of Congress in 
     promoting this cause.
       Again, as 13 of Ms. Campbell's friends from Washington, 
     DC--and fellow advocates for mental health services, we know 
     she would be honored to have her name attached to this 
     effort. Mostly, though, she would be thankful for the 
     congressional commitment to expand services in underserved 
     communities.
           Sincerely,
         Martha Jarvis, Beatrix Fields, Yolanda Phillips, Sheila 
           Garnett, Judi Mooore Latta, Melbourne Cummings, Sidonie 
           Davis, Patrice Gaines, LaFleur Paysour, Linda Wharton 
           Boyd, Andrea Carter, Niambi Jarvis, Courtney Lang.
                                  ____

         National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare,
                                      Rockville, MD, May 21, 2008.
     Hon. Albert Wynn,
     Rayburn House Office Building,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Wynn: On behalf of the National Council on 
     Community Behavioral

[[Page E1121]]

     Healthcare, representing 1,400 Community Mental Health 
     Centers and other community mental health and substance abuse 
     agencies serving over 6 million low-income Americans with 
     mental illnesses and addiction disorders, I urge you to 
     support H. Con. Res. 134, which establishes the month of May 
     as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health 
     Awareness Month. Mental illness is one of the leading causes 
     of disability in the United States, affecting one out of 
     every four American families.
       Today, minorities suffering from mental illness lack access 
     to culturally and linguistically competent mental health 
     care. Compounding these challenges is the cultural stigma 
     associated with mental health diagnosis and treatment, and a 
     lack of education materials and resources for minority 
     families supporting persons and loved ones with mentally 
     illness.
       Establishing May as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority 
     Mental Health Awareness Month will raise awareness about 
     mental illness and mental health disparities among minorities 
     nationwide. This modest effort will improve public health by 
     encouraging the expansion of vital care in underserved 
     communities in every State.
       Ms. Campbell, a national spokeswoman for minority mental 
     health issues, made her transition on November 27, 2006. The 
     late Ms. Campbell founded the National Alliance for the 
     Mentally Ill Urban Los Angeles and wrote books including the 
     New York Times best selling novel ``72 Hour Hold,'' and the 
     children's book, ``Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry,'' which 
     outline the devastating effects of mental illness on families 
     and communities.
       The members of the National Council join the family, 
     friends and colleagues of the late Ms. Campbell, as well as 
     members of Congress in fully promoting and endorsing one of 
     the important legislation on minority mental health, the Bebe 
     Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness 
     Month.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Linda Rosenberg,
                                                President and CEO.
                                  ____
                                  
                                                     May 20, 2008.
     Via e-mail: Ed.H[email protected]

       Dear Congressman Albert R. Wynn: The Urban Los Angeles 
     Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 
     that is devoted to educating, supporting and advocating for 
     individuals and families in communities of color challenged 
     by mental illness diagnoses urges you to support H. Con. Res. 
     134, which establishes the month of May as Bebe Moore 
     Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. 
     Mental illness is one of the leading causes of disability in 
     the United States, affecting one out of every four American 
     families.
       Today, minorities suffering from mental illness lack access 
     to culturally and linguistically competent mental health 
     care. Compounding these challenges is the cultural stigma 
     associated with mental health diagnosis and treatment, and a 
     lack of education materials and resources for minority 
     families supporting persons and loved one with mentally 
     illness.
       Establishing May as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority 
     Mental Health Awareness Month will raise awareness about 
     mental illness and mental health disparities among minorities 
     nationwide. This modest effort will improve public health by 
     encouraging the expansion of vital care in underserved 
     communities in every State.
       Ms. Campbell, a national spokeswoman for minority mental 
     health issues, made her transition on November 27, 2006. The 
     late Ms. Campbell founded the National Alliance for the 
     Mentally Ill Urban Los Angeles and wrote books including the 
     New York Times best selling novel ``72 Hour Hold,'' and the 
     children's book, ``Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry,'' which 
     outline the devastating effects of mental illness on families 
     and communities.
       The members of NAMI Urban Los Angeles join the family, 
     friends and colleagues of the late Ms. Campbell as well as 
     members of Congress in fully promoting and endorsing one of 
     the important legislation on minority mental health, the Bebe 
     Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness 
     Month.
           Sincerely,

                                                 Nancy Carter,

                                               Executive Director,
     NAMI Urban Los Angeles.
                                  ____

                                                     May 20, 2008.
       On behalf of the members of the Bebe Moore Campbell 
     Minority Mental Health Task Force, we are pleased to endorse 
     H. Con Res. 134 to recognize July as ``Bebe Moore Campbell 
     National Minority Mental Health Awareness and Treatment 
     Month.
       We acknowledge the critical importance of specifically 
     addressing the mental health needs of minorities in a 
     culturally competent and linguistically competent manner. We 
     acknowledge and support the need for health equity so that 
     all communities are able to receive equality of care, 
     treatment and services.
       In the spirit of working to reduce the stigma of depression 
     and chronic mental health disorders, the task force 
     recognizes the need for education in minority communities, 
     that mental illnesses are diseases of the brain are treatable 
     and are chronic conditions. We support needed intervention 
     and treatment programs that seek to support the integration 
     of mental health within the broader system of public health 
     care.
       The task force is committed to carrying the vision of Bebe 
     Moore Campbell, a champion for the equality of mental health 
     care in minority communities, whose tireless advocacy worked 
     to establish NAMI--Urban Los Angeles and support a 
     sustainable community health intervention model for 
     communities of color that can be replicated across the 
     country.
       We encourage all Members of congress to vote a yes and 
     offer our individual and collective voice to support H. Con. 
     Res. 134 to eliminate disparate care in the mental health 
     system and our communities at-large.
     Linda Wharton-Boyd,
       Co-Chair, National Minority Mental Health Task Force.
     Courtney Lang,
       Co-Chair, National Minority Mental Health Task Force.
                                  ____

                                             One Church, One Child


                                            of Maryland, Inc.,

                                                    Baltimore, MD.
     Congressman Albert R. Wynn,
     Rayburn Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Albert R. Wynn: The One Church One Child 
     of Maryland, Inc. is devoted to Adoption and Foster Care. We 
     are also devoted to the physical, mental and spiritual health 
     of children and families. As such, we endorse the promotion 
     of strong mental health and endorse H. Con. Res. 134, which 
     establishes the month of July as Bebe Moore Campbell National 
     Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental illness is one 
     of the leading causes of disability in the United States, 
     affecting one out of every four American families.
       Today, minorities suffering from mental illness lack access 
     to culturally and linguistically competent mental health 
     care. Compounding these challenges is the cultural stigma 
     associated with mental health diagnosis and treatment, and a 
     lack of education materials and resources for minority 
     families supporting persons and loved ones with mentally 
     illness.
       Establishing May as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority 
     Mental Health Awareness Month will raise awareness about 
     mental illness and mental health disparities among minorities 
     nationwide. This modest effort will improve public health by 
     encouraging the expansion of vital care in underserved 
     communities in every State.
       Ms. Campbell, a national spokeswoman for minority mental 
     health issues, died on November 27, 2006 of brain cancer 
     complications. The late Ms. Campbell founded the National 
     Alliance for the Mentally Ill Urban Los Angeles and wrote 
     books including the New York Times best selling novel ``72 
     Hour Hold,'' and the children's book, ``Sometimes My Mommy 
     Gets Angry,'' which outline the devastating effects of mental 
     illness on families and communities.
       The members of One Church One Child of Maryland, Inc. join 
     the family, friends and colleagues of the late Ms. Campbell 
     as well as members of Congress in fully promoting and 
     endorsing one of the important legislation on minority mental 
     health, the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental 
     Health Awareness Month.
           Sincerely,
     Dr. Charles E. Coger, Board President.
     Dr. Joan L. Wharton, Executive Director.
                                  ____
                                  
       Dear Edward S. Hubbard, Jr. Esq. and Congressman Albert 
     Wynn: Thank you so much for moving forward this important and 
     very personal bill. I am President of NAMI Urban LA (National 
     Alliance on Mental Illness) and co founder of this chapter 
     with my dear friend Bebe. Bebe as you know worked tirelessly 
     to help educate and support our mentally ill community. Even 
     when she became ill she was always talking of ways for us to 
     raise money to support our cause. Her death was a huge blow 
     to her family, friends, readers, and the world. When this 
     bill passes it will help ease the pain of her loss. Our 
     chapter continues to press on in her name. The month of July 
     will now be even more special; celebrating the Declaration of 
     Independence on the 4th and celebrating all month Bebe's 
     importance in helping to liberate, support, educate and 
     advocate for so many afflicted with mental illnesses.
       Thank you so much again for this important bill.
                                                  Lynn J. Goodloe,
                                         President, NAMI Urban LA.
                                  ____
                                  
                                         University of Pittsburgh,


                                 Chancellor of the University,

                                     Pittsburgh, PA, May 20, 2008.
     Hon. Albert Wynn,
     c/o Edward S. Hubbard, Jr., Esquire,
     Office of Congressman Albert R. Wynn.
       Dear Congressman Wynn: I understand that you have taken the 
     lead in sponsoring a bipartisan bill that would designate 
     July as ``Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health 
     Awareness and Treatment Month.'' I applaud your efforts and 
     am writing, for myself and on behalf of the University to 
     Pittsburgh, to strongly endorse this important piece of 
     legislation.
       As you know, Bebe Moore Campbell was a distinguished 
     graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. She also served as 
     a member of our Board of Trustees and was the recipient of an 
     honorary doctorate from Pitt, the

[[Page E1122]]

     highest honor that any university can bestow.
       For most of her career, Bebe was best known for her 
     literary achievements. Over the course of many years, her 
     efforts as an author produced a succession of works that were 
     both critically acclaimed and enthusiastically embraced by a 
     large audience of readers.
       In more recent years, she came to understand the special 
     challenges presented by mental illness in this country, and 
     particularly within the minority community, and she opened a 
     new stage of her career as a mental health advocate. An 
     important tool in her advocacy efforts was her literary 
     skill. She applied that skill in a more focused way in the 
     children's book Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry and in the 
     novel 72 Hour Hold. Through these works, she was able to 
     advance important messages with different audiences.
       Beyond her efforts as an author, she became a tireless and 
     unusually effective advocate for the cause of mental health. 
     In this work, she was able to empathetically present the 
     challenges faced both by individuals suffering from mental 
     illness and by the family members and others who care for 
     them.
       Naming the month of July as ``Bebe Moore Campbell National 
     Minority Mental Health Awareness and Treatment Month'' in her 
     honor would he a well-deserved tribute to this tireless and 
     selfless crusader. It also would help advance the cause for 
     which she worked so hard and about which she cared so deeply.
       Again, I applaud your efforts and .strongly endorse this 
     important hill.
           Sincerely,
     Mark A. Nordenberg.
                                  ____



                             American Psychiatric Association,

                                      Arlington, VA, May 20, 2008.
     Hon. Albert Wynn,
     Rayburn House Office Building, House of Representatives, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Wynn: I am writing on behalf of the 
     American Psychiatric Association (APA), the medical specialty 
     representing more than 38,000 psychiatric physicians 
     nationwide, to express our support for H. Con. Res. 134, your 
     resolution designating July as ``Bebe Moore Campbell National 
     Minority Mental Health Month.''
       Your resolution calls attention to the urgent national need 
     for improved access to mental health care for all Americans. 
     This is particularly true in minority communities, where 
     access to the highest quality treatment is too-often limited.
       APA is pleased to support H. Con. Res. 134, and commends 
     you and Representative Diane Watson for your personal efforts 
     on behalf of mental health care, both for minority 
     populations and the U.S. as a whole.
           Sincerely,
                                             James H. Scully, Jr.,
     Medical Director and CEO.

                          ____________________