I am asking for your support in the passing of H.R. 552, currently in congress. The Community Assistance Act for Persons with Mental Illness - Authorizes the use of specified funds, by state and local governments under the community development, mental health services, and substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant programs of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act, to provide housing counseling and financial counseling for individuals before their release from institutions for individuals with mental illness. It amends the Public Health Service Act to include in a state plan for comprehensive community-based mental health systems: (1) housing counseling; (2) financial counseling; and (3) support services for individuals released from inpatient or residential institutions.

This Bill has previously been unsuccessful in Congress, and this saddens me. Working at an acute psychiatric facility, I view these disenfranchised individuals sent home without sufficient supports. Discrimination continues to be prevalent among those with mental illness, making it impossible for most to function in society. With adequate support, counseling and community involvement, I am absolutely positive that many with mental illnesses can be successfully reintegrated into society.

Again, please support this important bill. If not for my asking, please support this bill to help each other in society. Having a more integrated society can only help in future times. I see the potential in individuals with mental illness, they merely need sufficient support that they don’t currently have.