Paul Wellstone Act Recognizes the Seriousness of Mental Illness (Rep. Raul Grijalva)

The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act is a necessary and welcome recognition of the nature and seriousness of mental illness. Eliminating the false distinction between maladies affecting the brain and mind versus any other organs of the body, and requiring parity in coverage, is a sensible and humane step toward a healthier society and happier individuals. There is a special cruelty to the ravages of mental illness, as it can rob a person of their personality, their most important relationships, and in a very real sense, their lives, even as the rest of their person continues to function. By passing the Paul Wellstone Act we will cease to deny people access to the care they need to be happy and healthy.