Murphy, Kilmer Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Declaring May as “Mental Health Month”
WASHINGTON, DC - Today Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) introduced H.R. 320, a bipartisan resolution declaring May as "Mental Health Month," to bring awareness for the need to address our nation's mental health and addiction crisis. While over 43 million Americans suffer from mental illness, and nearly 10 million suffer from severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, too many go without evidence-based treatment. Every day, 950 lives are lost, directly or indirectly, to mental illness.
“Our nation is in the midst of a mental health and addiction crisis,” said Rep. Murphy, whose mental health reform bill, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, was signed into law last December. “With skyrocketing rates of suicide and drug overdose deaths, specifically opioids, now more than ever our nation must come together to bring hope and save lives. I am pleased to join Congressman Kilmer to begin the efforts in Congress and focus on reducing stigma, expanding clinical models of care and ending our nation's mental health and addiction crisis.”
“Those struggling with mental illness deserve care and compassion, and those working to serve them deserve recognition and appreciation,” said Rep. Kilmer. “I’m proud to join with Representative Murphy to designate May as Mental Health Month not only because it gives us an opportunity to highlight the need to provide appropriate services and facilities for those impacted by mental illness, but it also allows us to say thanks to the public safety and medical professionals who are called on to serve these men and women every day.”
Read H.R. 320 here.