Millions of Americans suffer from serious mental illness.  Rather than stigmatize those who are suffering, we must help people get the treatment they need so they do not end up in the criminal justice system, on the street, or at the center of a tragedy that could have been prevented. 

I’m proud to support comprehensive mental health reform as a cosponsor of HR 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act.  This legislation provides hope to the patients and families who are affected by mental illness in several ways, including increasing the number of psychiatric hospital beds, expanding the mental health workforce, promoting evidence based programs, and allowing families to participate in healthcare delivery for their loved ones.  It also authorizes the Minority Fellowship Program, which will benefit our community. 

The mental health system in our nation is broken.  It’s time that we provide appropriate assistance to the many Americans who struggle everyday with mental illness.