[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 77 (Thursday, May 9, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E566-E567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2019

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mental Health 
Awareness Month. Throughout May, my colleagues and I will bring 
attention to the impact of mental illnesses on American society, as 
well as Congress's role in addressing mental healthcare issues facing 
the country. It is an honor to collaborate with my colleagues in the 
Congressional Mental Health Caucus to raise awareness for mental 
illnesses, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and create 
legislation that improves mental health outcomes for Americans.
  Mental illnesses have a devastating effect on those struggling to 
live with them. This includes changes in mood, social interactions, 
sleep patterns, and eating habits. Sadly, the most extreme consequences 
of mental illness are when an individual inflicts self-injury or takes 
their life. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United 
States and the second leading cause of death among Americans age 24 and 
younger. Approximately 1.4 million Americans attempt suicide each year 
and over 47,000 Americans lose their lives to suicide. The United 
States has 3,700 suicide attempts daily and 129 suicide deaths per day. 
This equates to one suicide every 12 minutes.
  Not only does suicide have severe emotional costs on families and 
communities, but also on our economy. It is estimated suicide and self-
injury reduce the economic output of the United States by $69 billion 
per year.
  The suicide epidemic is responsible for nearly the same amount of 
deaths in the United States as another prevalent health crisis: the 
opioid epidemic. It is estimated opioids were the cause for 47,600 
deaths in America, only a few hundred more than suicide. While solving 
the opioid crisis has received ample funding and attention, and 
rightfully so, reducing suicide and improving mental health treatment 
deserves the same recognition. Congress has a responsibility to assist 
individuals experiencing mental health challenges through effective 
legislation and research subsidies.
  Congress should advance policies that increase Americans' access to 
mental healthcare treatment as a mechanism for preventing self-harm 
incidents and suicide attempts. Just one third of Americans with mental 
illness receive treatment. Our country is in desperate need of 
additional trained therapists, psychologists, and counselors. This lack 
of access can be partly attributed to a shortage of mental healthcare 
professionals in certain communities. In order to establish a more 
reliable supply of mental healthcare professionals, Congresswoman Grace 
Napolitano and I recently introduced the Mental Health Professionals 
Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019. Our bill delivers 
professionals to areas that require mental healthcare experts the most 
by forgiving their secondary education student loans. It invests in 
bolstering our mental health workforce, while expanding treatment for 
Americans with mental illness.
  Americans across the country, regardless of age, social status, or 
background, are affected by mental illnesses. Mental Health Awareness 
Month serves as an opportunity for any of my Congressional colleagues, 
Republican or Democrat, to join the conversation. Together, we can 
improve mental health outcomes for Americans across the country by 
engaging in thoughtful discussion and crafting efficient policies.
  Finally, it is an honor to once again co-chair the Congressional 
Mental Health Caucus with

[[Page E567]]

Congresswoman Napolitano. I am grateful for her continued leadership 
and commitment on this issue and I look forward to further 
collaborating with her

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