Dear John,
Yesterday was Global Mental Health day. My own experience with mental health has been something I’ve avoided sharing because it’s difficult—but right now it’s more important than ever that we all talk about our struggles and normalize the need for mental healthcare.
I wrote this piece in Buzzfeed News and I wanted to make sure you saw it and know my story.
In the US, 1 in 5 children have a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. Mental health treatment should be a human right for all, not a privilege, and should be addressed with equal importance to physical health.
Many thanks to Data for Progress for this groundbreaking research: “Almost 70% of respondents in a new Data for Progress study supported a program that would provide adequate mental health treatment for all children in the US’s schools, regardless of income. Sixty-three percent supported requiring a broader set of mental health provisions in insurance plans for those needing mental health or substance abuse services.” -Buzzfeed News
Everyone deserves access to affordable mental healthcare. While state and local programming is critical, federal aid is necessary for innovation and systemic change to combat mental illness. The data shows widespread support for an affordable mental health care system. When we make it to Congress, mental health funding will be a top priority.
Thank you for listening to my story.
All my best,
Lindsey
|
|
