Chairman Honda's Extension of Remarks on Mental Health Month

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 437, Supporting the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month.

I commend my good friend Representative Grace Napolitano, sponsor of the resolution, and the House Energy and Commerce Committee for recognizing that mental health and well-being is a critical issue that affects not only the quality of life, health of our communities and our economic stability.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, each year approximately 25% of Americans are impacted by mental health conditions, and no gender, age, race, religion or socioeconomic status is immune. Through the combination of psychosocial and pharmacological treatments and support, 70% to 90% of individuals with mental health issues experience significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life.

As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Also, I recognize that there is a significant need for enhancing awareness of mental illness within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. AAPIs are among the fastest growing and most diverse racial group in the United States. Despite this, our community’s use of mental health services is the lowest among ethnic populations. As such, there is a critical need to raise awareness about mental health within the AAPI community to de-stigmatize seeking help and enhance access to culturally competent community services.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which Congress passed and the President signed into law earlier this year, will greatly expand access to mental health care and additional treatment for millions of uninsured individuals, including AAPIs. In addition, the law supports equity in coverage and will extend the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which prohibits discriminatory limits on mental health and substance use conditions beyond current law to health insurance plans offered to small businesses and individuals. These principles are also reflected in the expansion of Medicaid, which would require those newly eligible to receive mental health and substance use services at parity with other benefits.

I urge all of my colleagues to support the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month. Through education, we can help remove the stigma around mental health and encourage organizations and health practitioners to continue to promote mental well-being and awareness so that people can access appropriate services and support.