[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 109 (Wednesday, July 20, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H5249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RHODE ISLAND COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
extraordinary work of the Rhode Island Council of Community Mental 
Health Organizations. Representatives from the Rhode Island Council of 
Community Mental Health Organizations are on Capitol Hill this week 
advocating for the millions of Americans who suffer from mental 
illness.
  The council's work is vital because, according to the National 
Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 26 percent of American adults 
will suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, and 
approximately 6 percent of Americans will suffer from a serious form of 
mental illness.
  Since 1979, the council has led critical efforts to raise awareness 
about mental health and emphasize the important of mental health care 
funding. The council's efforts to integrate behavioral health with 
primary care has saved lives and cut costs in our State, setting an 
example for the Nation.
  The Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations is 
a true leader in the field of mental health. I believe we must make 
mental health care and full implementation of mental health parity a 
major priority as we continue to protect health care as a right for 
all.
  I commend the Rhode Island Council of Community Health Organizations 
on their work to improve and promote mental health care.

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