[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E972-E973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 24, 2010

  Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. 
Res. 1258, Supporting the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month.
  I commend my good friend Representative Grace Napolitano, sponsor of 
the resolution, and the House Energy and Commerce Committee for 
recognizing that mental health and well-being is a critical issue that 
affects not only the quality of life, health of our communities and our 
economic stability.
  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, each year 
approximately 25% of Americans are impacted by mental health 
conditions, and no gender, age, race, religion or socioeconomic status 
is immune. Through the

[[Page E973]]

combination of psychosocial and pharmacological treatments and support, 
70% to 90% of individuals with mental health issues experience 
significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life.
  As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, CAPAC, 
also, I recognize that there is a significant need for enhancing 
awareness of mental illness within the Asian American and Pacific 
Islander, AAPI, community. AAPIs are among the fastest growing and most 
diverse racial group in the United States. Despite this, our 
community's use of mental health services is the lowest among ethnic 
populations. As such, there is a critical need to raise awareness about 
mental health within the AAPI community to de-stigmatize seeking help 
and enhance access to culturally competent community services.
  The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which Congress passed 
and the President signed into law earlier this year, will greatly 
expand access to mental health care and additional treatment for 
millions of uninsured individuals, including AAPIs. In addition, the 
law supports equity in coverage and will extend the Mental Health 
Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which prohibits discriminatory limits 
on mental health and substance use conditions beyond current law to 
health insurance plans offered to small businesses and individuals. 
These principles are also reflected in the expansion of Medicaid, which 
would require those newly eligible to receive mental health and 
substance use services at parity with other benefits.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support the goals and ideals of Mental 
Health Month. Through education, we can help remove the stigma around 
mental health and encourage organizations and health practitioners to 
continue to promote mental well-being and awareness so that people can 
access appropriate services and support.

                          ____________________