In a step forward to improve mental health services, the U.S. House today passed the bipartisan Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016, supported by U.S. Rep. Castor, who serves on the powerful House Energy & Commerce Committee as well as its Health Subcommittee.

"Florida families need all the help that they can get, especially considering that our state ranks 49 in the country for mental health funding. Today's bipartisan legislation is a positive step in improving the mental health system for our neighbors and families across the country. I continue to urge Gov. Rick Scott and Republican state legislators to expand Medicaid, which would make mental health services available to more than 300,000 Floridians with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder,” said U.S. Rep. Castor, citing a report released in March 2016 by the U.S. Health & Human Services Department. The report projects that if the state expanded Medicaid, 69,000 fewer Floridians would experience symptoms of depression.

“I have visited with many of my neighbors battling mental illness and their families as well as discussed the state of mental health with experts in the Tampa Bay area and across the State of Florida. What is clear is the need for early diagnosis and treatment.  While they are encouraged by today’s step forward, they would like to see significant new funding to support the continuum of care for our vulnerable neighbors.”

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