[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 159 (Friday, September 30, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H8321-H8322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL DEPRESSION AND MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING MONTH
(Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize October
as National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and next week
as Mental Illness Awareness Week.
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month is aimed to
raise awareness of the need for accessible mental health screenings and
to provide support to people facing mental health conditions, ensuring
that they don't feel alone.
The National Alliance of Mental Illness study found that one in five
people in Iowa navigates the reality of living with a mental health
condition. Mental health affects everyone, and it is important that
Congress implements legislation to support Americans who are
struggling.
I am proud of the work that Congress and the FCC have done to
implement the 988 crisis hotline, which has changed the 10-digit
hotline to a 3-digit number that everyone can remember.
The hotline provides immediate support around the clock, but Congress
can and should do more. I hope my colleagues will take this month to
reflect on our current system and think of ways we can expand mental
health resources, perhaps changing it to brain health.
[[Page H8322]]
In working together to address brain health, we can save countless
lives.
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