Team –

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I’d like to talk to you about the disease of addiction and substance use disorder – a disease that’s affected so many American families, including my own.

For years my son struggled with substance use and addiction.

As a parent, it’s beyond terrifying to watch as the disease gradually takes over your child’s life. Sapping him of his gifts. How did the little boy so filled with life grow into the glazed-over, disinterested teen? Where is my 21-year-old at this hour – and with whom?

And yet despite the sleepless nights, and the endless questioning, my son was able to get the help he needed – and our family has found that there’s real hope and joy in recovery. Harry is now an advocate for those struggling with substance use disorder – working at the same organization where he first sought recovery.

It’s past time that we end the stigma of addiction – and for Congress to take action to provide resources to individuals and families dealing with substance use disorder.

I’m prioritizing solutions that will help others find the hope in recovery. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation aimed at getting all who are suffering from substance use disorder the help they deserve. This includes expanding funding and resources for those experiencing homelessness, providing more robust mental health services, lowering costs for treatment options, and helping young people gain early access to therapy.

If you agree that it’s well past time we drop the stigma around mental health and addiction to find holistic, effective solutions, please add your name alongside mine here.

Mental health and addiction are healthcare challenges – not moral failures – and challenges have solutions. If you agree with me that legislators should prioritize finding those solutions, sign your name now.

Sincerely,

Madeleine