June 3, 2013 – White House

 

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President Obama opens a National Conference on Mental Health stating that the main goal of the conference is to elevate the conversation about mental illness to a national level and bring mental illness out of the shadows.

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For a transcript of the President’s remarks go to:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/03/remarks-president-national-conference-mental-health

For a video of the President’s remarks go to:
http://www.politico.com/politico44/2013/06/obama-destigmatize-mental-health-issues-165254.html

The President’s position was also cited in this piece from Radio Boston discussing children’s mental health care in the greater Boston area. The participants are  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.

“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 end of — 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 Obama

The government provides an excellent resource on the subject of mental health at this web site www.mentalhealth.gov. Go there to learn about the myths and facts of mental health and to find resources and information – including a treatment locater and immediate help options.

Tweets from the President and the White House were issued in conjunction with the National Conference on Mental Health:

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