On Oct. 9, Rep. Tony Cardenas, D-Calif., Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Rep. Joe Kennedy III, D-Mass., jointly introduced a House resolution that, in addition to recognizing the importance of World Mental Health Day, affirms the “continued support of the United States to address mental health issues across countries and income levels.” APA’s Advocacy and International Affairs staff were called upon to assist Rep. Cardenas’ staff with drafting the resolution. APA also supplied a statement of support from CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, that expressed appreciation to Congressmen Cardenas, Fitzpatrick, and Kennedy for introducing the resolution and highlighted the importance of “com[ing] together to elevate mental health as integral to overall health, by advancing research, providing greater investments, and ensuring that effective services and supports are available equitably and universally.” Following the introduction of the House resolution, APA released a press statement with comments by APA President Sandra L. Shullman, PhD, on the importance of this resolution in light of “an even greater need for mental health and psychosocial support” during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a “massive scale-up of innovation and investment in mental health around the world.”
For more information, contact at Laurel Stine, JD and Amanda Clinton, PhD.