John Katko: “I thank Dr. Murphy. I rise today to talk about one of the most serious challenges facing our country, and that is the…”

“I thank Dr. Murphy. I rise today to talk about one of the most serious challenges facing our country, and that is the mental health issue. It is a problem that affects the rich and the poor, old and young, employed and unemployed. It can strike anyone. For far too long, the issue of mental health has stayed in the shadows in our country. If we want to directly face the challenges that the American people face in their everyday lives, we cannot allow the silence to continue. That is why I so enthusiastically support your bill, Doctor. A short time ago, I met with some of my constituents in upstate New York that were part of a drug treatment, education training, and rehabilitation program. One of the individuals told me of his personal battle with mental health. About 10 years ago, his sister died of cancer, and his marriage broke down soon thereafter. He couldn't sleep because of the trauma and stress, which led to anxiety and depression, and he didn't know what to do. As he was doing yard work one day, someone he knew walked past and said he could provide something to help him sleep. It was heroin. He tried it. Pretty soon he was hooked, and his life was ravaged for years and years. In fact, it took 7 years of him being pushed to the brink by drugs for him to seek help--7 years, 7 lost years. Six years later, he has found paid work, probably for the first time since his addiction.…”