Sen. Blunt has been strong advocate for mental health issues

I was fortunate to attend an event when Sen. Roy Blunt came to Cape Girardeau to talk about mental health issues. The truth is that mental health illness affects more than one out of four people over the age of 18. That means we all know someone we love and cherish who has dealt with the challenges that a mental disorder presents. We have provided the care and support on an individual basis, and we have seen firsthand just how tough it can be to press on in the face of a problem that can make you feel overwhelmed and isolated. But we are not alone.

For several years, Sen. Blunt has been visiting mental health facilities across Missouri and working with mental health advocates in Washington, D.C., in order to bring behavioral treatment in-line with the way physical illness is treated. Sen. Blunt understands the impact that mental illness has on the lives of those we love and he knows the importance of raising awareness both to help residents and communities to understand mental health issues and to aid those suffering with a disorder to gain access to the help they need.

The Senate recently passed a version of his bipartisan "Excellence in Mental Health Act," a bill that expands access to community mental health services and strengthens the quality of care provided for those living with mental illness. For his efforts on that bill, Sen. Blunt received the "Legislator of the Year" award from the National Council for Behavioral Health.

Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are the most common mental health problems faced by returning troops. These conditions were found among three in 10 returning veterans who develop mental problems within three to four months of being home. As part of his continued efforts to improve access to quality behavioral health treatment for all Americans, Sen. Blunt introduced several pieces of legislation that focus specifically on members of the military, retirees and their families. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he successfully worked with his colleagues to include an amendment to the defense authorization bill that requires the Department of Defense to take a hard look at the way it addresses the treatment of mental health of service members and their family members. Another amendment that he introduced and successfully worked to include in the defense authorization bill is the "Caring for America's Heroes Act" -- a bipartisan bill that aims to reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health challenges by ensuring the Department of Defense provides TRICARE beneficiaries with access to better behavioral health care. As more veterans return from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, mental illness will become more common and more serious. Sen. Blunt knows that the mental health of returning veterans can no longer be relegated to the back burner.

It's encouraging to know that the mental health community has a strong advocate in Sen. Roy Blunt. He's working hard to help people find the support they need to beat the odds and to build a better life.

Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, is the state senator for Missouri's 27th District.