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Dear Friend,
*Disclaimer* The following contains discussion around suicide and addiction recovery.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month.
In this country, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes, and one in 20 U.S. adults have serious thoughts of suicide each year. Behind these statistics are real people and real families. This issue hits especially close to home for me. My sister struggled with suicidal ideation as a teenager, and I have witnessed firsthand how difficult bearing that weight can be. It is why I believe so strongly in talking openly and honestly about mental health and in expanding access to care.
In 2023, 48.5 million Americans aged 12 or older had experienced a substance use disorder in the previous year. Mental health challenges and substance use challenges are often interconnected, but so are their solutions — recognizing warning signs, encouraging conversations to break the stigma, and connecting people to resources and support. National Recovery Month is a powerful affirmation that recovery from substance use disorders is possible.
Too many families in this country are left without resources. Too many communities are underserved. Too many of our neighbors do not know where to turn. We see this across our own state. However, progress is possible.
This month is about awareness, but it is also a call to action. That is why I am working to translate recognition into real change. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, I have introduced legislation to improve access to care and ensure we have enough providers to meet the needs of our communities.
The first step to getting help can often be the hardest. I introduced the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act to make it easier for folks to get the help they need by covering the cost of the first three behavioral health visits for those on Medicaid and Medicare.
Sometimes the best support can come from somebody who has walked a similar road. I introduced the PEER Support Act, which will help peer support specialists in their careers and bolster the mental health care workforce.
Most recently, I introduced the Mental Health Services for Students Act. We are witnessing a mental health crisis among young people. This bill would bring more licensed mental health professionals into schools — to meet our youth where they are. If we can reach children early on with on-site care to create supportive environments, we can significantly improve mental health outcomes and equip people with tools that will serve them well for the rest of their lives and help them thrive.
These bills are part of a broader effort to make mental health care more affordable, more accessible, and more attuned to the realities that Americans face in their everyday lives. September and its observances may be coming to a close, but my work is not over. All year long, I will continue fighting for the healing and hope that this month represents.
If you or a loved one is struggling, please know that free and confidential help is available. You are not alone. Save and share these resources with one friend who may need it.
Suicide and Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
SAMHSA National Helpline (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service)
County-Specific Mental Health Resources in Oregon’s Sixth District
SAMHSA Find Support
SAMHSA Find Help
Find Treatment for Mental and Substance Use Disorders
Be well,
Andrea Salinas
Member of Congress |