[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15823]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   OUR MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM IS BROKEN

  (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness for the 
more than 11 million Americans who suffer from severe mental health 
illness.
  As we recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week, we have the 
opportunity to discuss this complex issue and the impact it has on both 
families and society. We must continue to identify ways we can help 
those who are suffering.
  Our mental health system is broken. Many are going without treatment, 
and families often struggle to find appropriate care for their loved 
ones. As vice chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I know 
this is an issue especially important to our veterans, our true heroes.
  My COVER Act, which was approved by the House earlier this year, 
helps provide alternative therapies for our veterans dealing with 
mental health issues.
  The Committee on Energy and Commerce's Helping Families in Mental 
Health Crisis Act, actually sponsored by Representative Murphy from 
Pennsylvania, further works to address the shortage of treatment 
options, lack of access to mental health services, and the lack of 
communication within the system.
  We must continue our efforts to improve mental health care and remove 
the stigma associated with mental illness.

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