Bill would assure help for mental health issues

As we all mourn and try to wrap our heads around the recent mass shootings in Atlanta and Colorado, I want to point out an effort by a local member of Congress that will mitigate these shootings through legislation.

In February, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood joined a bipartisan effort to deliver mental health resources to health care professionals and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Stopping the Mental Health Pandemic Act would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to award funding to states, municipalities, community health centers and health care providers to address mental and behavioral challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This effort is particularly meaningful to me. A family I know is raising a teenager who recently went through a mental health crisis. He spent 15 days in an emergency room because no inpatient bed could be secured for him.

I believe Congresswoman Underwood's bill would expand access to mental health resources, meaning that more people could get the care they need before they harm others. This bill is just one more example of why the 14th District can be proud of their member of Congress.

Jane Miller

Lake Bluff