Congresswoman Salinas Announces Mental Health Monday Program
On Monday, February 6, 2023, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) announced her Mental Health Monday initiative, a weekly program that shines a spotlight on mental health. Through floor speeches, social media posts, and messages sent directly to Oregonians, Congresswoman Salinas will work to ensure that mental health remains part of the national dialogue – and a top priority for Congress.
“As a member of Congress, there’s nothing more important to me than the wellbeing of the people who call Oregon’s sixth district home,” said Rep. Salinas. “And while physical wellbeing is critically important, we can’t afford to neglect the other, less talked about half of health care – especially not when so many are struggling. Through Mental Health Monday, it’s my hope that we can shed light on a too often stigmatized topic and help connect Oregonians to the resources they need to be well.”
For her first Mental Health Monday, Congresswoman Salinas delivered remarks on the House floor, introducing the program and highlighting the disproportionate barriers that Black individuals face when seeking mental health care. Watch or read her full remarks below:
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Mister Speaker, I rise to recognize my first Mental Health Monday.
731,000 adults in Oregon have a mental health condition. 731,000. Our friends, neighbors, and family members are struggling – and we in Congress have an obligation to find solutions to their struggles.
That’s why I’m dedicating my Mondays to mental health. For too long, we’ve allowed stigma to shame people into silence – and that silence has cost lives. It’s my hope that, by raising awareness, we can make strides in care, treatment, and recovery for those struggling with their mental health.
Today is also the first Monday of Black History Month, so I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the troubling disparity in mental health care for the Black community. Lack of access to culturally-responsive care makes treatment inaccessible to many Black and Brown individuals. And Congress must work to bridge that gap.
I hope you’ll join me for future Mental Health Mondays as we work to break new ground on this important issue.
Thank you. I yield back.
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