Bonnie Watson Coleman: “I thank my colleague from New Jersey for those kind words, and I thank my colleague from the other side of the aisle for…”

“I thank my colleague from New Jersey for those kind words, and I thank my colleague from the other side of the aisle for supporting what I think is a very important piece of legislation. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call on all of my colleagues to support the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act. Over the last several years, data has indicated an alarming increase in the suicide rates for Black children and teenagers, while a recent study has shown that suicide intervention programs--while successful among White, Asian, and Hispanic children--have done little to help African-American and Native-American youth. Two years ago, I launched the Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health, sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus. The task force's report that inspired this bill is an urgent call to action. Regardless of race, gender, and socioeconomic status, every individual should have access to mental health resources and treatment. This bipartisan bill will provide much-needed grants for culturally competent mental health services, increase funding for the Minority Fellowship Program, and direct research and resources at Federal departments and agencies. I basically am echoing what my colleagues have already shared with you. We must pursue this equity in mental health because the systems we have in place simply do not address the mental health needs of all communities.…”