[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H7161-H7162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Ms. Kelly) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark Minority 
Mental Health Awareness Month.
  Mental health challenges do not discriminate. They affect Americans 
of all ages, races, backgrounds, and genders. It doesn't matter if you 
are from a blue State, a red State, or a swing State. Mental illness is 
in your community. It affects your family and exists in your friend 
group and with your coworkers.
  Tragically, while mental health challenges impact so many people 
across the board, too many never see or get treatment because of the 
stigma associated with mental healthcare. It shames them into silence.
  So it is fitting that this year's theme is ``CureStigma.'' While 
stigma keeps far too many from seeking and receiving the care that they 
need, the silence of stigma plagues African American populations and 
other ethnic groups.
  It is a sad and staggering statistic that African Americans are 20 
percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than their 
White counterparts but just 25 percent will seek care. There is a 
tragic inequity in that figure, given that 40 percent of their White 
counterparts will seek care.
  Is this a matter of stigma? Of access to care, culturally competent 
care, and associated resources? Or perhaps a combination of them all.
  Mr. Speaker, it is past time that we tackle the stigma associated 
with mental health that keeps too many trapped without hope, recourse, 
or recovery.
  As for access to care, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, all health 
insurance plans are required to cover mental health services, just as 
they would cover cancer screenings and tetanus shots. Still, this 
administration, either through cruelty or willful ignorance, has 
actively attacked the mental health requirement and sought to push bad 
or, as I call them, junk insurance plans that neglect mental health 
services.
  We must do better. Congress must be better. Too many, especially in 
vulnerable populations, are still in desperate need of this care.
  That is why I am proud to be cosponsoring the Mental Health in 
Schools Act offered by my good friend, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. 
This bill will provide comprehensive mental health programs to students 
in schools, with a special focus on dealing with trauma and violence. 
Congress can make a world of difference today, if we pass this bill.
  I am also proud to be cosponsoring the Veterans Mental Health 
Accessibility Act introduced by my colleague from Pennsylvania, 
Congressman Matt Cartwright. His bill would make veterans who serve in 
combat zones eligible for more mental health services through the VA.
  This is really commonsense legislation. With more than 20 of our 
brave veterans committing suicide daily, it is of critical importance 
that we pass this bill.

[[Page H7162]]

  In closing, I want to remind everyone, my colleagues, and those 
watching at home on C-SPAN that mental health is something that we can 
all work on. Simple, small, everyday things can make a huge difference. 
Here is my personal top five.
  First, take care of your body. It is all connected. Even a little bit 
of exercise or even a little more sleep can improve mood, reduce 
stress, and improve your health all around.
  Second, find a stress management strategy that works for you. For 
some, it is reading or running, while for others, it is coffee with 
friends or takeout and a movie. Do whatever works for you.
  Third, surround yourself with good people, be it family, friends, or 
someone you can trust in your community.
  Fourth, volunteerism is a great way to get out of your own head and 
give back to your community. It is good for you and great for your 
community.
  Finally, if you or someone you love needs help, please get it. Don't 
let stigma hold you back.
  Mr. Speaker, as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a 
close, let's cure stigma.

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