Mental Health Parity Within Reach!

Crucial legislation which would help end health insurance discrimination and barriers to health care for individuals suffering with mental illness will be voted on soon.

Tomorrow, March 5, 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up the issue of H.R. 1424 also known as the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

In September 2007, the U.S. Senate historically passed this Mental Health Parity Act (S. 558) by unanimous consent. Now it is the House of Representatives turn to pass their version.

Mental illness affects us all. For example, you don't have to look far to find the homeless. The fact is that not all, but a significant number, of the homeless suffer from mental illness and have lost their jobs, homes and families because they could not get treatment.

Mental illness encompasses a broad range of disorders from addictions to post partum depression to eating, panic, and anxiety disorders. It includes depression, bipolar disease and schizophrenia. These and all of the many aspects of mental illness are treatable and sufferers can lead full and productive lives, but without treatment, many of these illnesses take control of the life and destroy it.

It is time to encourage legislators to heal this crisis. You can call, FAX or Email your Representative today. If you're not sure who your legislator is, go to Congress.org and enter your zip code. This will bring up a list of your local and national legislators. Click on your Congressman/woman and select the tab "contact". This will provide you with their address, phone number, FAX and website. You can Email them from their website.

You can also call Toll Free 1-866-727-4894 and ask the operator to connect you with the office of your member of Congress.

Encourage your Representative to vote FOR H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health & Addiction Equity Act.

March 6 UPDATE: This measure PASSED!!!