African American Depression Stereotypes - Dr. Jeff Gardere

BLACK AND DISABLED: WHEN WILL OUR LIVES MATTER?

It is simply not enough to proclaim that all black lives matter when clearly not all black bodies matter in our collective conception and articulation of black liberation. As it stands, our conception and articulation of black liberation, not just in the United States but across the globe, currently suffers from a profound failure to engage disability as a site of struggle, resistance and transformation. This despite the fact that Black disabled people everywhere are on the receiving end of the cruelest forms of neglect, violence, and destitution. A serious engagement with disability, and the lives of sick and disabled Black people, would mean a more expansive view of what constitutes activism and resistance, and in the process move us all toward an entirely new and more beautiful conception of Black liberation at large.

It would seem as though the only thing we have in response to large scale injustice and inequality is our bodies. It is no wonder that our conception of activism and liberation is grounded in the body. In this way, bodies animate political conviction. Movements for social and economic justice tend to mean the convergence of bodies sprawled out on the streets in righteous indignation and protest. Fists thumping in the air. People kicking and screaming as law enforcement officers violently disperse crowds. Protesters shoved into the back of police vehicles. Young activists in holding cells waiting to be bailed out. This is what comes to mind when one thinks of activism that is imbued with the promise of revolution. The body is the thread that weaves together these images. But not just any body. It is the non-disabled body that seems to give meaning to our collective definition of activism and resistance. This default to the non-disabled body is what I call ableism.

A number of questions arise from the ways in which ableism structures dominant conceptions of activism and resistance. What do revolutionaries look like? Why the insistence that revolutionaries need to “look” a certain way? Why is a vision of liberation predicated upon “seeing” in the first place? What does it mean when bodies are not able to “fight back” in the way that ableism defines what counts as fighting back? Why the assumption of non-disabled ways of being? If I organize from bed because I live with chronic pain and my body hurts too much will I still be regarded as an activist? What would organizing from bed mean for redefining what organizing means in general? What if going to prison for my political beliefs is just not an option for me because prisons don’t come staffed with personal attendants? Will I still be regarded as deeply committed to the struggle for social and economic justice? Not that I want prisons to be staffed with personal attendants, let alone exist at all. On this point, what would it mean to understand prison abolition politics through the prism of the deinstitutionalization of sick and disabled people? What if disability was the starting point for re-imagining the world? What if we stopped conflating disability with blackness and instead honored and affirmed the lives of actual Black people who exist at the intersection of disability and blackness?I don’t have the answers to all these questions and in some way I feel that asking these questions without offering answers is what is truly needed in this moment. All of us have a stake in thinking through how we all get free. 

Black disabled people are not just made to disappear from public view, they are also made to disappear from the imagination. This is the definition of violence. To make Black disabled life unfathomable in our conception of activism and resistance is to fundamentally undermine the possibility of Black liberation, for this practice is a haunting that will make Black liberation itself unfathomable too.

This post is part of the “Black Future Month” series produced by The Huffington Post and Black Lives Matter Network for Black History Month. Each day in February, this series will look at one of 29 different cultural and political issues affecting Black lives, from education to criminal-justice reform. To follow the conversation on Twitter, view #BlackFutureMonth.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eddie-ndopu/black-and-disabled_b_9221756.html

NAMI National Alliance Mental Illness : Mental Illness FACTS AND NUMBERS

As you read the statistics why are there not enough civil rights protections? Why the State of Maryland still not enforcing ADA accommodations?

Numbers of Americans Affected by Mental Illness 

One in four adults−approximately 61.5 million Americans−experiences mental illness in a given year. One in 17−about 13.6 million−live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder.1  Approximately 20 percent of youth ages 13 to 18 experience severe mental disorders in a given year. For ages 8 to 15, the estimate is 13 percent.2  Approximately 1.1 percent of American adults— about 2.4 million people—live with schizophrenia. 3,4 Approximately 2.6 percent of American adults−6.1 million people−live with bipolar disorder. 4,5  Approximately 6.7 percent of American adults−about 14.8 million people−live with major depression.

4,6 Approximately 18.1 percent of American adults−about 42 million people−live with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder and phobias.4,7  About 9.2 million adults have co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders. 8 Approximately 26 percent of homeless adults staying in shelters live with serious mental illness and an estimated 46 percent live with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorders. 9  Approximately 20 percent of state prisoners and 21 percent of local jail prisoners have “a recent history” of a mental health condition. 10  Seventy percent of youth in juvenile justice systems have at least one mental health condition and at least 20 percent live with a severe mental illness.

11 Getting Mental Health Treatment in America; Approximately 60 percent of adults 12, and almost one-half of youth ages 8 to 15 with a mental illness received no mental health services in the previous year. 13  African American and Hispanic Americans used mental health services at about one-half the rate of whites in the past year and Asian Americans at about one-third the rate.14.  One-half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14; three-quarters by age 24. 15 Despite effective treatment, there are long delays−sometimes decades−between the first appearance of symptoms and when people get help. 16 The Impact of Mental Illness in America  Serious mental illness costs America $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year.17  Mood disorders such as depression are the third most common cause of hospitalization in the U.S. for both youth and adults ages 18 to 44.18  Individuals living with serious mental illness face an increased risk of having chronic medical conditions. 19 Adults living with serious mental illness die on average 25 years earlier than other Americans, largely due to treatable medical conditions. 20  Over 50 percent of students with a mental health condition age 14 and older who are served by special education drop out−the highest dropout rate of any disability group. 21  Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. (more common than homicide) and the third leading cause of death for ages 15 to 24 years.22 More than 90 percent of those who die by suicide had one or more mental disorders. 23  Although military members comprise less than 1 percent of the U.S. population 24 , veterans represent 20 percent of suicides nationally. Each day, about 22 veterans die from suicide.


25 Mental Illness FACTS AND NUMBERS NAMI

 • The National Alliance on Mental Illness • 1 (800) 950-NAMI • www.nami.org 3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 2 References 1 National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Statistics: Any Disorder Among Adults. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1ANYDIS_ADULT.shtml 2 National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Any Disorder Among Children. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1ANYDIS_CHILD.shtml 3 National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.) The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml 4 Prevalence numbers were calculated using NIMH percentages (cited) and 2010 Census data. Census data is available at: United States Census Bureau. (revised 2011). “USA [State & County QuickFacts].” Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html 5 National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml 6 Ibid. 7 National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Statistics: Any Anxiety Disorder Among Adults. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1anyanx_adult.shtml 8 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). Results from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings NSDUH Series H-42, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 11-4667). Rockville, Md.: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012. 9 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development. (2011). The 2010 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.hudhre.info/documents/2010HomelessAssessmentReport.pdf 10 Glaze, L.E. & James, D.J. (2006, updated December). Mental Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates. Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs Washington, D.C. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/mhppji.pdf 11 Skowyra, K.R. & Cocozza, J.J. (2007) Blueprint for Change: A Comprehensive Model for the Identification and Treatment of Youth with Mental Health Needs in Contact with the Juvenile Justice System. The National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice; Policy Research Associates, Inc. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Delmar, N.Y: The National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice; Policy Research Associates, Inc. 12Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). Results from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings NSDUH Series H-42, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 11-4667). Rockville, Md.; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012. 13 National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Use of Mental Health Services and Treatment Among Children. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1NHANES.shtml 14 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2010). 2010 National Healthcare Disparities Report. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. Retrieved January 2013, from http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/nhqrdr/nhdr10/index.html. 15 Kessler, R.C, et al. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602. 16 National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (2005). Mental Illness Exacts Heavy Toll, Beginning in Youth. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jun2005/nimh-06.htm 17 Insel, T.R. (2008). Assessing the Economic Costs of Serious Mental Illness. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 165(6), 663-665. 18 Wier, LM (Thompson Reuters), et al. HCUP facts and figures: statistics on hospital-based care in the United States, 2009. Web.. Rockville, Md. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2011. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports.jsp. 19 Colton, C.W. & Manderscheid, R.W. (2006). Congruencies in increased mortality rates, years of potential life lost, and causes of death among public mental health clients in eight states. Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research, Practice and Policy, 3(2), 1-14. 20 Parks, J.,et al. (2006). Morbidity and Mortality in People with Serious Mental Illness. Alexandria, VA: National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) Medical Directors Council. 21 U.S. Department of Education. (2006). Twenty-eighth annual report to Congress on the implementation.

Link:
http://www2.nami.org/factsheets/mentalillness_factsheet.pdf

Montgomery County, MD District and Circuit Court still practicing "Inhumane treatment against disabled and other Protected Class"

Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.     Frederick Douglass

The President of the United States Presidential Proclamation “National Mental Health Awareness Month”, May 2016. I believe this means he supports person with disabilities and to ensure that receive"equal opportunity secure civil rights protection and ADA accommodations. What the President's proclamation means to me is awareness and cease discrimination and to remove "all" barriers that prevent a disabled community from having a voice, access or participation in the mainstream society. Therefore, I decided to tell my story of the abuse and inhumane treatment I received the State of Maryland Courts system in Montgomery County/agencies. (The protected class includes race, gender, religion, disability, etc). The American history exposes that the Justice System is run by KKK and/or white citizens council. When I appeared in court,  I was treated worse than a dog, it reminds me of the 60's during the Civil Rights as they wore hide "white hoods" but today some wear black robes, but I stood up for myself that bias Judge couldn't stop that. The Justice System in Montgomery County, MD is dominated by white males judges while traffic stops are dominated by blacks, therefore, traffic stops will never become equal. “Justice rules only where just men rule”Niccolo Machiavelli’s philosophy.

My life journey suddenly changed due to a sudden illness. Later, I was diagnosed with an incurable disease and diagnosed with other chronic illness which caused me to become disabled. I was a pro se litigant at Civil Court in Montgomery County, MD District Court Judge Sanderson, a biased Judge who ask me if I believe the Court is racist? I don't know why he asked me, I never said those words. I guess because I am black. Maybe he thought I was a member of "black lives matter!" But I answered him with truth and told him, yes, look around all the cops are white males and the litigants are minorities which the blacks are the majority. Are you blind? He looked proud to be in a system that justifies blacks to serve as "slaves" in prison and force free labor in jails. He turned red after I answered him I guess his punishment was to give me a fine. But he didn't realize he did my conscience a favor what I thought in the first place a biased justice system and these Judges support white supremacy. I know because of that question I am stigmatized for stating the truth, I am not a sellout.

Then, I appealed and went to Circuit Court in Maryland in Montgomery County John W. Debelius III, a biased Judge a  "Good ole boy network" discriminated against me with a visible and invisible disability. I became very ill and was diagnosed with a chronic illness and had several operations. He had the nerve to announced my disability in court as he violated the HIPPA and ADA law, Do I think he is prejudice? As John W. Debelius III showed off in front of the white males in the court to "teach me a lesson" to never file a complaint against an officer who stopped me during a traffic stop. I really don't have to watch T.V. as my former ancestors dealt with the same injustices. But I would do it over again if an officer violates my rights I will file a complaint.  This what happens in Montgomery County, Maryland they don't like it when you file a complaint against a cop especially a black person. They don't like the truth about statistics by race, either! You see the race component is 13% blacks and 65% whites and blacks get stops the most. The Judge's charge blacks misappropriate high amount of the tickets in Montgomery County, MD and they say they are not racist? There are more white male cops in Montgomery County, MD and White male Judges now you see why blacks are misappropriated in sentences, fines, and mass incarceration? So filing a complaint will further expose their reckless bias behavior. Then you have the minorities Jewish, Asian, black or women Judges who feel pressured to conform to "White Supremacy" rulings in Montgomery County, Maryland then you will not have minorities especially blacks paying a servitude system in Montgomery County, MD. Challenge me to check the statistics by race, the equality speaks for itself. (Focus traffic fines and targeted by race by the blacks litigants.)


 “A person with a “disability” is someone who has a physical, mental or communication disability that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working”.

I applied for ADA accommodations under the American Disability Act to ensure that I have access to court services and participate in my trial like an average person. “The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) was enacted to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. Under Title II of the Act, no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of services, programs or activities of a public entity. This prohibition applies to the state courts as providers of public programs and services. People with disabilities are to be given an equal opportunity to access, use and fully participate in court services and programs, and not be discriminated against because of their disability.".

I request for a postponement because the court date was scheduled at the same time I was scheduled for surgery. Right after the surgery, I had a surgical procedure and I was informed that I couldn’t no longer postpone after the 2^nd surgery. I really didn’t have any assistance to fill out the ADA/reasonable accommodations documents however I failed to necessary paperwork for ADA accommodations. The District Court ADA Coordinator stamped my ADA accommodation document and I heard from her again. On the court date and the Judge refused to execute my ADA accommodations nor the ADA Coordinator attended court to ensure I receive my ADA requests. I spoke to the Judge John W. Debelius III about my ADA accommodations, he became very rude, turned red in the race and basically refused my disability/ ADA accommodations which were granted to me.

Montgomery County, Maryland justice system already been investigated by the Department of Justice for racial profiling, disproportion tickets by race, mass incarceration issues, unfair sentences and unfair practices similar to the national issue when it comes to black drivers and white police officers (DOJ, 2002). As it is usual practice a person of color is guilty under this justice system who never was fair nor equal. I had to file an appeal to the Maryland Circuit Court and the discriminatory treatment has gotten worst but it's expected. The security at the entrance door took my cane which I use it to balance as I walk. They yelled when I walk too slow in line and they were yelling at me so abusively.  I also wanted to report to them that the Circuit Court entrance door disability button gets stuck and the door doesn't open. Since they treated me as if I was invisible and that “Disabled Lives Don’t Matter”, I didn’t have the opportunity to report the entrance doors due to their behavior.

I contacted the Maryland Disability Law Center, a non-profit organization who suppose to advocate for disabled person civil rights; the agency responded to me  4 months later. A non-profit organization who gets funds to assist the disabled community don't assist the disabled not because they are busy. They don't assist the disabled because of politics; they afraid of losing their funding vs. the law ( doing the right thing). Society got to be tired of supporting these nonprofits who use the same law to oppress the people they suppose to assist. They have pictures or pamphlets as if they assist them and really don't because of politics; the money is used for operating expenses such as staff pay, conferences, etc. We have to hold them accountable!

The State of Maryland supposed to be dedicated to a full compliance with the "reasonable accommodation" requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) is a covered agency,  a disabled person makes them aware that they are disabled (oral or written) a request reasonable accommodations should be provided. Therefore, I proceeded to file for ADA accommodations at the Circuit Court with the ADA Coordinator and she communicated with me more than the District Court ADA Coordinator. She approved my ADA accommodations. I postponed the first court date due to another surgery and my health was deteriorating. The accumulation of medication and chronic pain limited my mobility and the medication mentally impaired me. I had supportive documentation from the doctors informing the Circuit Court Judge W. Debelius III that my condition disabling me from comprehending court procedures and my chronic impairments limit my mobility. 

The Judge John W. Debelius III disregarded the doctors note that advised to postpone the case however acted bias while the State prosecutor request that she would be dismissed my case due to my impairments. The prosecutor was more concern with my health and impairments than the Judge John W. Debelius III. Then the Judge started reading my medical information violating the HIPPA law which also covers me as a person violated under non-covered entities. While my health turned to worst in court the Judge John W. Debelius III  told me I can leave the court and they would proceed with the trial without me.  What happens to State prosecutor who supposes to ensure justice, why she was silent? She wanted to win the case? Who is in charge over the State Prosecutor, Attorney John McCarthy who violates the disability law! I was so weak I laid outside the courtroom and the Judge W. Debelius III never called for an ambulance; my friend came and assisted me in her car.  This incident was tape recorded. I was informed to contact Maryland Judicial Committee but later was warned that the Judge John W. Debelius III who discriminated against me in Circuit Court has a coworker on the Judicial Disability Board! It is rumored that the Judicial disabilities are a "good ole boy network, dominated by white males!" Whereas the Jew judges look white however considered minorities white supremacy utilizing these judges like the "Willie Lynch" letter to continue to dominate fines and unequal sentences mostly against blacks litigants then minorities.

Therefore, when it comes to the protected class we don't deserve respect, ethics or dignity from the Judges in Maryland. Why should I go to Judicial disability in Maryland the "Good ole boy network" dominated by white males who are friends that protect each other? If you don't believe go to traffic court you will see all white male officers, some white women with traffic tickets ( they are considered minorities), you will see other minorities, consumed with blacks, Hispanics and then you will see one or two white males. I come sometimes just to sit and watch, a white young man had a ticket decreased to $27; blacks litigants tickets increased to up $500 to $1,000; Hispanics $300 and $700: White women $180 and $300: other minorities $220 and $500; now you see blacks? All the officers were white males; this is how they make money off black people blacks pay off the "Justice System" and blacks don't get any justice! It was announced that Judge John W. Debelius III is retiring August 1st, 2017, now Judge Robert Greenberg ( a Jewish Judge) is appointed he was on the board "Judicial Disabilities" was a terrible Associate Judge now he is taking over Administrative Circuit Court Judge, "You have to wonder who is worst?"

Are these minority Judges especially Jewish judges conformed to "white supremacy" and unequal justice? When the word "black" is spoken in these courts in Montgomery County, MD you are racially profiled and stigmatized to a justice system that doesn't favor a person of color especially black. Then I filed to the highest Court in Maryland of Appeals and I was informed by Judge Mary Ellen Barbera that the State of Maryland isn't interested in hearing my case. Basically mean Maryland isn't interested in hearing about the injustice, discrimination and the unequal system that has been going on at the Macy Dixie Line in Maryland. That the Maryland prison system is full of blacks in jails ( servitude system), unequal sentences,  high traffic fines! That our Judges is fine with an unequal system just as long their family doesn't have to suffer these injustices. So with these Judges White Supremacy attitudes of unequal Justice no wonder why statistics proves unequal "Justice System" in Maryland.

The State of Maryland Courts in Montgomery County is dominated by one race and gender- white males then minority that is why justice is disappropriated by race?  The courts face obstacles when it comes to the protected class race, gender, and disability, race,  etc., this is supported by statistics. A disabled man, Ethan Saylor died in police custody. Maryland was the first State to create an executive order by the Former Governor O'Malley who created the Commission on Effective Community Inclusion of Individuals with Intellectual and Development Disabilities. They were in charge of developing public policy for the State. The Ethan Sayler Alliance was created to implement the Commissions recommendations for increased training for members of law enforcement and other public entities (Mighty newsletter).

The Maryland State Assembly should include the Maryland Courts personnel to take this sensitive training to communicate with the disabled community. Then our New Governor Larry Hogan who had an advanced form of cancer stage 3 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and in remission, thank God! But according to the “Disability Blue Book”, he might be still considered disabled. You have to wonder if Governor Hogan understands if he was treated or experience negative treatment like the average citizens of the State of Maryland public entities; cold, insensitive and discriminatory. Is the exception to the rule because he is the Governor?

The Americans Disability Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, national origin, aging or religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, transportation, State and local government services and telecommunications, (ADA.gov) As a covered entity the Courts in Montgomery County discriminates against disabled should be fined and charged.

If Maryland refuses to enforce these laws who do the disabled persons supposed to go to? A lawyer? Most disabled can’t afford due to limited funds? We have to advocate in Courts as pro se litigants with Judges who are insensitive, unethical and biased. The State of Maryland has limited advocacy organization with limited funding. You have to wonder how many persons abused by Maryland public entities who are insensitive to disabled persons and "protected class" and refuses to comply with ADA regulations.  The disabled and protected class in Montgomery County, Maryland is treated inhumane and the State wants us to be silent and oppressed, hoping the protected class will just go away! 

Please remember there are people who groom themselves too aggressively victimized and convert abuse to intimidate people like the disabled only to distort or misrepresent to gain favor. 

Title II applies to State and local government entities, and, in subtitle A, protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of disability in services, programs, and activities provided by State and local government entities. Title II extends the prohibition on discrimination established by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 794, to all activities of State and local governments regardless of whether these entities receive Federal financial assistance.

CC: Please read the links below:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/04/28/presidential-proclamation-national-mental-health-awareness-month-2016. 

President Barack Obama Proclamation "Mental Health Awareness" Month 2016

Presidential Proclamation -- National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2016

NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, 2016

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

Nearly 44 million American adults, and millions of children, experience mental health conditions each year, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress.  Although we have made progress expanding mental health coverage and elevating the conversation about mental health, too many people still do not get the help they need.  Our Nation is founded on the belief that we must look out for one another -- and whether it affects our family members, friends, co-workers, or those unknown to us -- we do a service for each other when we reach out and help those struggling with mental health issues.  This month, we renew our commitment to ridding our society of the stigma associated with mental illness, encourage those living with mental health conditions to get the help they need, and reaffirm our pledge to ensure those who need help have access to the support, acceptance, and resources they deserve.

In the last 7 years, our country has made extraordinary progress in expanding mental health coverage for more people across America.  The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against people based on pre-existing conditions, requires coverage of mental health and substance use disorder services in individual and small group markets, and expands mental health and substance use disorder parity policies, which are estimated to help more than

60 million Americans.  Nearly 15 million more Americans have gained Medicaid coverage since October 2013, significantly improving access to mental health care.  And because of more than $100 million in funding from the Affordable Care Act, community health centers have expanded behavioral health services for nearly 900,000 people nationwide over the past 2 years.  Still, far too few Americans experiencing mental illnesses do not receive the care and treatment they need.  That is why my most recent Budget proposal includes a new half-billion dollar investment to improve access to mental health care, engage individuals with serious mental illness in care, and help ensure behavioral health care systems work for everyone.  

Our Nation has made strong advances in improving prevention, increasing early intervention, and expanding treatment of mental illnesses.  Earlier this year, I established a Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Task Force, which aims to ensure that coverage for mental health benefits is comparable to coverage for medical and surgical care, improve understanding of the requirements of the law, and expand compliance with it.  Mental health should be treated as part of a person's overall health, and we must ensure individuals living with mental health conditions can get the treatment they need.  My Administration also continues to invest in science and research through the BRAIN initiative to enhance our understanding of the complexities of the human brain and to make it easier to diagnose and treat mental health disorders early. 

One of our most profound obligations as a Nation is to support the men and women in uniform who return home and continue fighting battles against mental illness.  Last year, I signed the Clay Hunt SAV Act, which fills critical gaps in serving veterans with post-traumatic stress and other illnesses, increases peer support and outreach, and recruits more talented individuals to work on mental health issues at the Department of Veterans Affairs.  This law will make it easier for veterans to get the care they need when they need it.  All Americans, including service members, can get immediate assistance by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or by calling 1-800-662-HELP. 

During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize those Americans who live with mental illness and substance use disorders, and we pledge solidarity with their families who need our support as well.  Let us strive to ensure people living with mental health conditions know that they are not alone, that hope exists, and that the possibility of healing and thriving is real.  Together, we can help everyone get the support they need to recover as they continue along the journey to get well.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2016 as National Mental Health Awareness Month.  I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

BARACK OBAMA

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/04/28/presidential-proclamation-national-mental-health-awareness-month-2016