Graciela Flores Napolitano

“ As we conclude our recognition of mental illness awareness this week, we will continue our fight to ensure that our veterans and service personnel will be able to receive the mental health services they deserve. ”

“ The VA does not have enough mental health professionals due in part to lack of funding, and the President's low funding proposal will exacerbate this problem. Our returning soldiers and veterans deserve better from their government. They have earned what was promised them.
The Bush administration has repeatedly emphasized that the war in Iraq is not another Vietnam. However, by not providing veterans the necessary mental health resources, we can assure the same high rates of suicide that existed among Vietnam veterans. ”

“ Almost one quarter of all Americans currently suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder, but a only small fraction of them actually receive the treatment they need. This is unacceptable. The Commission's report provides us with six key goals and corresponding recommendations that will help ensure that all Americans who need mental health services receive them in an effective manner. ”