[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 58 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Children's Mental 
Health Awareness Day, which occurs each year during National Children's 
Mental Health Awareness Week.
  In 2004, the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental 
Health began designating the first full week of May as Children's 
Mental Health Awareness Week to promote the positive development of our 
youth. Additionally, since 2006, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Services Administration's Center for Mental Health Services has 
declared one day during the week National Children's Mental Health 
Awareness Day.
  On this special day, a distinguished coalition is gathering in 
Wisconsin. Groups like Wisconsin Family Ties, the Wisconsin Alliance 
for Infant Mental Health, Wisconsin United for Mental Health, the 
Supporting Families Together Association, and Wisconsin Public 
Broadcasting are joining with affected youth, their families, and 
others in our community. They stand together at the Madison Children's 
Museum to focus our attention on this important public health issue.
  In Wisconsin the statistics paint a startling picture. One out of 
every five children who appear healthy is, in fact, suffering from 
mental health problems. Children with mental illness and disabilities 
have a far greater likelihood of being suspended or expelled from 
school, abusing drugs or alcohol, or ending up in the juvenile justice 
system. In 2008, only 11 percent of Wisconsin children living with 
serious mental health disorders received any public mental health 
services, less than one third the rate for adults.
  However, not all hope is lost. At the federal level, the passage of 
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes numerous 
provisions that will help diagnose, treat, and support children with 
mental illness and their families. For example, the law immediately 
eliminates pre-existing condition clauses for children. This will help 
ensure that more families can afford to seek treatment for their child 
and may do so without fear of losing their coverage.
  We must continue to pursue a course of action that works to not only 
identify and diagnose mental illness as early as possible, but also 
provide comprehensive treatment to those affected. The better we are 
able to serve the needs of our youth who suffer from mental illness, 
the sooner we can reduce long term costs associated with dropout rates, 
substance abuse, homelessness, and the justice system. We know that 
children with mental illness can live full and productive lives as long 
as we provide them with the support they need.
  In the 1800s, the color green was used to identify people who were 
labeled ``insane.'' Since then, the color has taken on a very different 
meaning, one that now signifies new life, new growth, and new 
beginnings. Today, I join with children, families, and supporters both 
in south central Wisconsin and across the nation in wearing the color 
green to show our support. Above all, I salute all those who are 
working to raise awareness of this crucial issue and hope today serves 
as a reminder that each one of us can and must do better to address 
children's mental health issues.

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