[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 6, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           MENTAL HEALTH ACT

  (Mr. GUINTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge passage of the Helping 
Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which Congressman Tim Murphy 
introduced into Congress. I am a proud cosponsor.
  Federal mental health programs are a patchwork of antiquated programs 
across many agencies. Jails have become de facto mental health 
facilities. As a caregiver to a family member with a mental health 
diagnosis, I know how difficult finding proper treatment can be.
  The country is also experiencing an epidemic of drug use, closely 
related to mental health disorders. It is time we recognize these 
problems for what they are: diseases creating a public health 
emergency.
  Mr. Murphy's bill creates a leadership post at the Substance Abuse 
and Mental Health Services Administration. Among other provisions, it 
removes legal barriers to families trying to help loved ones and 
provides incentives for more mental health professionals to join the 
field. It authorizes State grants and requires better data analysis.
  Last year, for the first time in a decade, the U.S. death rate rose 
due to increased drug abuse and suicide. To turn the tide, I urge my 
colleagues to vote for the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis 
Act.

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