|
Dear Friend,
Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to a close, and what a jam-packed month it was! Over the last few weeks, I’ve been hard at work organizing events, introducing legislation, and speaking out about the need to make mental health services more affordable and accessible.
Here’s a quick recap of what I did this month, as well as a few helpful resources that you can save and share with someone you love.
I kicked off the month by launching the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus along with my fellow Co-Chairs, Representatives Don Beyer, Don Bacon, and Tony Gonzales. Mental health is an issue that crosses party lines, because it’s something that impacts us all. Our Caucus exists to raise awareness, combat stigma, and ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable care. Click here or below to watch our press conference announcement.
 |
 |
I also hosted two mental-health focused roundtables with young people and professional athletes. It was inspiring to hear their stories and discuss potential solutions to the ongoing mental health and addiction crisis in America. I also want to thank everyone who participated for their bravery. While it’s not easy to open up about your mental health, it’s critical to breaking the stigma – and I look forward to having more conversations like these in the future.
On the legislative front, I am leading a resolution to officially designate May as Mental Health Month. Raising awareness starts with recognition, and I am glad to have strong bipartisan support for this bill. Additionally, I re-introduced legislation to create a new scholarship program for students who want to pursue careers in mental or behavioral health. Doing so would help address the ongoing workforce shortage and connect more Americans with the care they need.
Back home in Oregon, I visited Blanchet Farm Residential Recovery Program in Yamhill County. The farm is dedicated to helping men rebuild their lives and achieve recovery from substance addiction by providing hands-on, therapeutic work experiences. I also held a mental health “hearing-style” forum, where I heard directly from experts and leaders from mental health advocacy organizations in Oregon about the impacts of cuts that are coming down from the Trump Administration. As your Congresswoman, I’m committed to protecting critical services like the 988 Lifeline – and I’ll keep fighting to deliver the funding they need to function and continue saving lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please remember that you are not alone. Below, you will find a variety of free, confidential resources that are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Suicide and Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line
Oregon YouthLine (Under 18)
The Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+)
Farm Aid’s Farmer Hotline:
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
SAMHSA National Helpline (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service)
National Problem Gambling Helpline
County-Specific Mental Health Resources in Oregon’s Sixth District
SAMHSA Find Support
SAMHSA Find Help
Find Treatment for Mental and Substance Use Disorders
For regular updates and information about the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, you can visit our website at mentalhealthcaucus-salinas.house.gov or follow us on Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Be well,
Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress
|