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    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? Behavioral health impacts many people across the board, regardless of age, race, religion, political beliefs or socio-economic background. Mental health challenges, as well as substance use challenges, affect one in four adults, and touches just about every family in America. It is a huge and growing problem, and over half of adults with mental illness have no access to treatment.  In our district 48, we have a real and growing problem of homelessness fueled in part by fraudulent sober living homes, a long-overlooked opioid crisis, and mental health issues going unaddressed. When I am in Congress, I will make sure that we obtain our fair share of behavioral health funding, and work with our cities to make sure these issues are being properly addressed. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? We need to make sure that everyone has access to affordable health care, which always includes mental health and substance use prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery support. In addition to health care, California should provide social services and education for patients and family members struggling with behavioral health challenges, and law enforcement and criminal justice systems modified to recognize that mental health and substance abuse are diseases, not crimes, and should be treated as such. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? California always leads the way, so this should be no different! We need to reframe the narrative around mental health with more compassion for those suffering from mental health. For too long, our country has ignored and stigmatized mental health and behavioral health issues, but this needs to end. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? Yes, when in Congress, I will commit to making behavioral health a priority, because if left ignored, it will trickle down even further and negatively impact into all aspects of society – homelessness, crime, income inequality. Prevention is always the best solution, whether physical or mental health, and in the end, any money spent on behavioral health will save money in the long run. MORE
  • full q+a
    3 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? Mental and behavioral health is a serious concern in our society. Behavioral health challenges affect people from all walks of life and socioeconomic status. According to the California Health Care Foundation, nearly one in six California adults has a mental health concern, and one in 20 suffer from significant mental illness. Unfortunately, many individuals are reluctant to ask for help due to the social stigma associated with seeking treatment. Untreated behavioral health issues can prevent individuals from coping with the stresses of life, working productively, realizing their full potential and making meaningful contributions to their communities.   MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? California should enact policies that encourage implementation of preventative measures and improve counselor and psychologist student ratios in public schools so that students struggling with behavioral health concerns have better access to these professionals and referral services to meet their needs. Community wraparound services and comprehensive care should be better coordinated among agencies and organizations that provide treatment for those with mental illness and substance abuse challenges. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? I believe that behavioral health should be a public policy priority.  With statewide coalitions of health care providers as well as representatives from law enforcement, education, labor, the court system, local governments and business we can begin to destigmatize behavioral health conditions through community awareness and public education. Common behavioral health issues can be discussed and solutions identified at forums and workshops at school and community events. MORE
  • full q+a
    1 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? I support your effort and if elected to the State Assembly I will make behavioral health a priority. MORE
  • full q+a
    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? The person listening today may be the life saved tomorrow. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? Challenge every PTA at every high school to produce a Public Service Announcement about drug use and the importance of a healthy mind. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? We have Bible study groups. We have Alcoholics Anonymous. We have Gamblers Anonymous. There is no reason we can not have the same about the challenges faced by those struggling with mental health challenges. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? I have no problem what so ever doing this. For the past several years I have been doing this for sexual assault victims who needed a voice. We put actions in place. You can go to the CalVCB website Media Center section and see "My Story Could Be Yours - Sexual Assault Awareness PSA". Together we will save a life the moment we decide silence is no longer the option.  MORE
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