May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, when we recognize the importance of quality, accessible mental health care. In 2019, more than 20% of Minnesotan adults reported having a mental illness. 

That needs to change. I am committed to increasing access to mental health services and eliminating the stigma around treatment. As your Representative for the Sixth District of Minnesota, I have:

• Introduced the Expanding Access to Inpatient Mental Health Act, which would eliminate a 15-day treatment cap that has limited access to mental health treatment for many Americans
• Introduced the Pregnancy Loss Research and Care Act, which directs the National Institutes of Health to coordinate with other national research institutes to determine what mental health care may be needed for individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss
• Led a letter to the House Appropriations Committee urging continued support for key rural mental health initiatives
• Cosponsored legislation to make the number 9-8-8 the dialing code to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This bill became law, and the code will become available nationwide on July 16, 2022.

In addition to advocating for mental health access in Congress, we must raise awareness about the resources already available to Minnesotans. Some mental illnesses can be managed through healthy practices and prevention. You can read more about everyday practices to manage your mental health here. 

If you are experiencing stress or symptoms of mental illness, you are not alone. If you are struggling you may want to visit the State of Minnesota's Suicide Prevention Program Web site or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline now to get help by phone at: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) Toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours a day.