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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E566-E567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
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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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