[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 133 (Tuesday, October 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 14TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH ARTS SHOW

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                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2013

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 14th Annual 
Community Mental Health Arts Show, being held October 8-10, 2013, 
during Mental Illness Awareness Week
  Congress established Mental Illness Awareness Week in 1990 to educate 
and increase awareness about mental illness. In Tucson, Arizona, the 
Community Partnership of Southern Arizona (CPSA) has proudly organized 
the Annual Community Mental Health Arts Show as part of Mental Illness 
Awareness Week for 14 years. The Arts Show, which is free of charge and 
open to the public, features the artwork of children and adults 
receiving behavioral health services, and individuals employed in the 
behavioral health system.
  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 50 
percent of adults will experience a mental illness in their lifetime 
and that one in five children are living with a mental illness. In 
addition, 23 million Americans are facing the challenges of substance 
abuse. Countless findings confirm that mental health has a significant 
economic and societal impact. Mental health conditions are the second 
leading cause of workplace absenteeism, costing the U.S. economy $79 
billion annually in lost productivity. Substance abuse can spread 
infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, 
substance abuse has a proven link to high crime rates, increased court 
costs, and overcrowded prisons.
  Recovery programs integrating holistic therapies are respected for 
creating the most meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Providing an 
opportunity to create and showcase visual art fosters peer support, 
builds confidence, and reduces the intensity of symptoms, while 
providing a safe and supportive environment for adults and children who 
are recovering from a mental illness or substance abuse issues. The 
Arts Show also promotes mental health education, generates awareness 
and helps diminish stigma.
  Effective mental health treatment and prevention benefits the 
community as a whole. On average, every $1 spent on taxpayer-funded 
substance abuse treatment yields a $7 return in reduced costs of crime 
and increased, taxable employment earnings. Mental health treatment and 
prevention increases health and wellness, reduces medical costs, and 
has a positive effect on overall productivity, which benefits 
individuals, families and communities
  As the Regional Behavioral Health Authority for Pima County, Arizona, 
CPSA is dedicated to ensuring that individuals and families receive 
accessible, high-quality behavioral health services that are member and 
family driven, recovery oriented, respectful of cultural differences, 
and foster hope and self-determination.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Mental Illness Awareness Week and the 14th Annual Community Mental 
Health Arts Show.

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