Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I introduce, along with my colleague, Senator Stabenow, the Community-Based Mental Health Infrastructure Improvements Act. According to the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island, 38,000 adults and 11,000 children in the state have a serious mental illness, and approximately 15 percent of Rhode Island adults report suffering from serious psychological distress every year. Unfortunately, mental illness is often linked to poor physical health--obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Community mental health centers help these individuals get the mental and behavioral health care that they need to lead healthier, more productive lives through no or low-cost treatments. This cost structure has been particularly critical throughout the recent recession and as our economy continues to recover. Individuals and families didn't have to forgo health care because they lost their job or health insurance. The proof is in the numbers. In just the last 6 months of 2010, Community Mental Health Centers in Rhode Island treated nearly 30,000 individuals. The demand for care will only grow as more Americans gain access to comprehensive, affordable health insurance in 2014. It is critical that Community Mental Health Centers have the infrastructure necessary to treat every individual who needs care. In Rhode Island, some of the community mental health centers are in older buildings that need updating.…”