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    Why does behavioral health matter? Our mental health impacts how we view ourselves, the world around us and ultimately how we experience life. This matters because it impacts us all. Behavioral health is inextricably tied to our well being and overall health. There are over 6 million Californians who have experienced mental health challenges. All Californians deserve quality behavioral health resources, support and information to support them on their mental health journey. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? From anxiety to clinical disorders and substance abuse, behavioral health is one of the most common health conditions. Providing comprehensive health care means caring about behavioral health. To help increase access to care I support the creation of a comprehensive statewide plan that would ensure the quality of care a patient receives isn’t based on their zip code. I also support more funding for preventative and early interventions to quickly identify the specific support people need in order to regain control of their lives. We know that behavioral health is deeply tied to other social challenges, such as - homelessness, criminal justice, veterans rights and dysfunctional family dynamics - this is why we must ensure organizations focused on these key social issues have stronger ties to the behavioral health resources needed for the vulnerable populations they serve. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? We can set an example for how to destigmatize behavioral health by not being afraid to talk about it, by having comprehensive legislation that supports people impacted by mental health and substance abuse challenges and by uplifting the great on-the-ground work and wins from community organizations and advocates across California. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? Yes I will continue to view behavioral health as a critical issue that is tied to systemic health and racial injustice challenges. MORE
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    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? Behavioral health matters because it is vital just as much as our physical health. We want people to be functional and be able to succeed in life. Without behavioral health there are many people that would not be able to survive in our society. A good number of policy issues in our society are tied to individuals lacking a good foundation in their mental health. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? Increase the amount of time required with Proposition 36 from 12 months to 18 months so individuals would be required to attain substance use treatment. Offering more mental health and substance use treatment services in our school districts so the problem does not escalate when the students become adults.  MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? Awareness of health conditions and encouraging people to seek help would be the first step. Both physical and mental health are tied to each other, and if one has a good behavioral health outlook their physical health usually will fare well. Having programs accessible with a sliding scale payment system would be helpful for people to access the services to get the process started. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? I am open to leading this issue as a platform issue for my state political party and also in the future if I do arise as an elected official. I have friends who are in the field and I hope they get as much support as possible. MORE
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    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Our communities benefit when its members receive essential services to recover from mental and substance use disorders, prescription drug misuse and abuse, mental illness, underage drinking, suicidal tendencies, post traumatic stress, etc. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? Education is key to destigmatizing behavioral health conditions but as long as we have stigma, we have injustices. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? I have been embracing behavior health since I was 19 years old and served a year as a volunteer at a mission in the south Bronx of New York City while working at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Home for Dependent and Neglected children. MORE
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    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? Behavioral health affects everyone.  For example, 1 in 5 children and adolescents suffer from some form of behavioral and mental illness. And many of our brave military service members suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Today, more people die from suicide in the United States than from traffic accidents or homicides, and we lose 22 veterans to suicide daily. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? As a Member of the United States Congress, I fight every day to bring critical federal financial resources to the state of California and work with local health care professionals and entities like Entertainment Industries Council (EIC) to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with behavioral health.  MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? Unfortunately, because of the stigma associated with behavioral illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones.  As co-chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus (which includes work on behavioral health), I work with my Republican co-chair each day to hold legislative briefings and press events to raise awareness and help break through that stigma.  MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? I have always and will continue to embrace behavioral health as a priority in the U.S. Congress.  In 2003 I founded the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and have served as a co-chair each year since.  With a Republican co-chair, I work to promote legislation that help reduce behavioral health stigma, holding several congressional hearings and briefings annually and enacting legislation into law, such as securing mental health parity in the Affordable Care Act.  After learning one in three Latina adolescents (ages 9-11) had contemplated suicide, in 2001 I secured federal funding to create a pilot program to provide on-site, culturally and linguistically appropriate mental and behavioral health services and suicide prevention services for students. MORE
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