Susan Davis: “I worked as a social worker before my career in public office, and I've seen firsthand the results when mental illnesses…”

“I worked as a social worker before my career in public office, and I've seen firsthand the results when mental illnesses go untreated. Those who develop a severe mental illness can go from having a career and a family to losing everything. About half our States now have implemented full mental health parity requirements, and these States have learned a very valuable lesson. They've learned that the benefits of ensuring parity are worthwhile. Far too many people's illnesses, mental illnesses, linger without treatment, triggering physical complications that only result in more costs. So, proper diagnosis and treatment greatly offset these costs and save health care dollars over the long term. This bill will also help our servicemembers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan as they transition to civilian life because national barriers to mental health care ripple out to everyone. Post-traumatic stress disorder and other combat-related conditions can take months, if not years, to develop after discharge. Many of these veterans will not have access to VA health facilities and will rely upon private health insurance to obtain treatment. Finally, and most importantly, this legislation also addresses the stigma attached to mental health care. It loudly communicates that mental health care is on an equal footing with physical health care. Mr. Speaker, I give my enthusiastic support to the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.”