[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H6157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HIGHLIGHTING LACK OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN RURAL AMERICA

  (Ms. SALINAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the lack of 
mental health services in rural America.
  As facilities close their doors and providers leave town, many people 
in our rural communities are forced to travel for miles to get care or 
forgo care altogether. That is harmful and unfair, which is why I 
introduced a bipartisan bill to expand access to telemental health 
services in rural areas.
  This legislation will specifically help folks working in farming, 
fishing, and forestry. These industries are critical to our economy and 
way of life in my district. In fact, Oregon has the second-largest 
number of Triple-F workers per capita in the entire country. These jobs 
can also be very stressful, and few seek help due to stigma.
  Improving telehealth access will take away that stigma, save folks 
time and resources, and get more Oregonians the help they need when 
they need it.
  Congress has left rural America behind for far too long. It is time 
we change that.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join 
me in supporting this very important bill.

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