Katie Porter: “Our Nation is failing people with post- traumatic stress disorder. During June, PTSD Awareness Month, we must commit to…”

“Our Nation is failing people with post- traumatic stress disorder. During June, PTSD Awareness Month, we must commit to doing better. Mental health affects many across our Nation, but I rise today to shine light on the brave young people dealing with PTSD. Too many Americans, including many with PTSD, go without the mental healthcare they need because their insurance won't cover it. I wrote a bill, which is now Federal law, to crack down on insurance companies that break the rules and refuse to cover mental health the same way they cover physical health. I am proud the House is considering additional proposals I have worked on to strengthen the enforcement of protections for mental health coverage. When a child experiences a traumatic event, like emotional or sexual abuse, it harms their emotional, social, and cognitive development. These adverse childhood experiences are linked to substance use disorder, chronic health issues, and PTSD. We cannot let trauma or related challenges hold students back from getting high quality educations. The effect of these experiences doesn't end when children leave their homes for college. They bleed into their daily lives, including in the classroom.…”