Healey Favors Increasing Mental Health Access Across Nation
Healey Favors Increasing Mental Health Access Across Nation
— Moorestown Businessman Suggests Greater Health Access Can Address Crime, etc. —
MOORESTOWN, NJ— Conservative businessman Bob Healey today suggested that as a Member of Congress he would ‘work hard to deliver federal funding’ that expanded access to mental health services.
Healey observed, “Looking at the challenges America faces involving crime, homelessness, suicide and gun violence, mental health seems to be a consequential element in all these problems.”
Healey said, “This should not be a partisan issue where Democrats or Republicans seek political advantage. As citizens and as parents, all of us want to find ways to stop school shootings like the recent tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. A greater focus on improving access to mental health services is one area among many I would consider supporting as a Member of Congress.”
Among adults in high-income countries, those in the U.S. were most likely to have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions by a doctor.
In 2016, nearly one-quarter (23%) of U.S. adults reported a mental health diagnosis, compared to fewer than 10 percent of adults in France, the Netherlands, and Germany. [1]
Healey cited a series of legislative measures pending in 117th Congress including H.R. 432[2]; H.R. 787[3]; H.R. 7237; and H.R. 8058[4] which address expanded funding of and access to mental health services.
“There’s no easy, simple answer to the phobias and disorders that plague the human mind and fall within the broad area of mental health. But I believe this complex question impacts many societal problems and merits our continued study and attention if we care about addressing gun violence and homelessness,” the GOP challenger added.
[1] “Mental Health Conditions and Substance Use: Comparing U.S. Needs and Treatment Capacity with Those in Other High-Income Countries”, The Commonwealth Fund, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2020/may/mental-health-conditions-substance-use-comparing-us-other-countries .
[2] H.R.432 “Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2021”, Rep. Thompson, Mike (D-CA-5),
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/432?r=5&s=1
[3] H.R.787 -“Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act”, Rep. Allen, Rick W. (R-GA-12).
[4] H.R.8058 – “Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2022”, Rep. Joyce, David P. (R-OH-14).
