Bilirakis: Mental Wounds are Just as Serious as Physical Ones

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, today questioned witnesses regarding the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, sponsored by Representative Tim Murphy, a clinical psychologist. Last December, Representative Bilirakis held a Mental Health and Substance Abuse roundtable, to engage with patients and providers about mental health issues. Approximately, 10 million Americans are suffering from severe mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 40% go without treatment.

"Mental health issues do not discriminate based on age, gender, or race. We must remove the stigma surrounding these issues. Mental wounds are just as serious as physical ones. The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act is a solid step in the right direction – it represents a bipartisan approach to reforming our broken mental health system," Bilirakis said. "I am especially concerned about our nation's Veterans – too many are suffering from TBI or PTS, but don't have access to the mental health treatments they need. This bill will help all Americans living with mental health issues, including our nation's heroes."

"The shortage of treatment options and mental health professionals has resulted in too many mentally ill people becoming homeless or incarcerated. We need reform, and we need it now."

The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act will:

• increase access to mental health and substance abuse disorder services;
• create a strategy to recruit medical professionals for treatment of mental health;
• increase psychiatric workforce;
• identify and promote evidence-based best practices; and
• reform guidelines for grant programs.

To view Congressman Bilirakis' questions, click here.