June 3, 2013 — White House
Obama and Mental Health
President Obama opens a National Conference on Mental Health, elevating the conversation about mental illness to a national level and bringing mental illness out of the shadows.
On June 3, 2013, President Barack Obama convened a National Conference on Mental Health at the White House. The main goal of the conference was to elevate the conversation about mental illness to a national level and bring mental illness out of the shadows.
The President's position was also cited in a piece from Radio Boston discussing children's mental health care in the greater Boston area. The participants were Dr. Susan Swick, chief of child psychiatry, Newton Wellesley Hospital; Lisa Lambert, executive director of the Parent/Professional Advocacy League; and David Matteodo, executive director, Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems.
The government provides an excellent resource on the subject of mental health at www.mentalhealth.gov — go there to learn about the myths and facts of mental health and to find resources and information, including a treatment locator and immediate help options.
"Today, less than 40 percent of people with mental illness receive treatment — less than 40 percent. Even though three-quarters of mental illnesses emerge by the age of 24, only about half of children with mental health problems receive treatment. Now think about it: We wouldn't accept it if only 40 percent of Americans with cancers got treatment. We wouldn't accept it if only half of young people with diabetes got help. Why should we accept it when it comes to mental health? It doesn't make any sense."
— President Barack Obama, National Conference on Mental Health, June 3, 2013