Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the extraordinary work of the Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations. Representatives from the Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations are on Capitol Hill this week advocating for the millions of Americans who suffer from mental illness. The council's work is vital because, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 26 percent of American adults will suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, and approximately 6 percent of Americans will suffer from a serious form of mental illness. Since 1979, the council has led critical efforts to raise awareness about mental health and emphasize the important of mental health care funding. The council's efforts to integrate behavioral health with primary care has saved lives and cut costs in our State, setting an example for the Nation. The Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations is a true leader in the field of mental health. I believe we must make mental health care and full implementation of mental health parity a major priority as we continue to protect health care as a right for all. I commend the Rhode Island Council of Community Health Organizations on their work to improve and promote mental health care. ____________________”