We start this petition rooted in personal struggle and daily battles. I, along with my children, endure the challenges of mental health in our daily lives. Our pain was made all the more real when my son, a brave Veteran who served in the Marines, tried to take his own life last year. His struggle underscores the urgent need for meaningful change in our society's approach to mental health.

It is vitally important to reform mental health services across the nation. As per the report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness (51.5 million in 2019). Despite the high prevalence of mental health conditions, only 43.8% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment. These figures demonstrate a dire need for a comprehensive overhaul of the mental health care system.

We are advocating for substantial reform that includes increasing funding for mental health services, incorporating mental health education into school curriculums, eliminating stigma, and ensuring affordable and accessible mental health care for all.

By signing this petition, you are not just supporting me and my family, but millions of others wrestling with mental health challenges. We call you to take this action for the benefit of the many lives intertwined with the complexities of mental health struggles every day. Please sign this petition to help initiate comprehensive mental health care reforms.