Mental Health

Today's News from the Lawmakers

CCHR Condemns FDA's Approval of Electricity-Zapping for 'ADHD' Kids
Source: The Ponder News
May 1, 2019
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a device to zap a low-level electrical pulse through the forehead of 7-12 year olds as treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).[1] But the mental health watchdog, Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR), says with concern that some psychiatrists have now turned to the FDA to approve a device that "electro-shocks children into docility."

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FDA permits marketing of first medical device for treatment of ADHD
Source: The Ponder News
April 22, 2019
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has permitted marketing of the first medical device to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The prescription-only device, called the Monarch external Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) System, is indicated for patients ages 7 to12 years old who are not currently taking prescription ADHD medication and is the first non-drug treatment for ADHD granted marketing authorization by the FDA.

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VA ensures Veterans have same-day access to emergency mental health care

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by: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington, D.C. - April 22, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) efforts to provide the best mental health care access possible, VA is reminding Veterans that it offers all Veterans same-day access to emergency mental health care at any VA health care facility across the country.

“Providing same-day 24/7 access to mental health crisis intervention and support for Veterans, service members and their families is our top clinical priority,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “It’s important that all Veterans, their family and friends know that help is easily available.”

VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention is the national leader in making high-quality mental health care and suicide prevention resources available to Veterans through a full spectrum of outpatient, inpatient and telemental health services.

Additionally, VA has developed the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, which reflects the department’s vision for a coordinated effort to prevent suicide among all service members and Veterans. This strategy maintains VA’s focus on high-risk individuals in health care settings, while also adopting a broad public health approach to suicide prevention.

VA has supported numerous Veterans and has the capacity to assist more. In fiscal year (FY) 2018, 1.7 million Veterans received Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mental health services. These patients received more than 84,000 psychiatric hospital stays, about 41,700 residential stays and more than 21 million outpatient encounters.

Nationally, in the first quarter of FY 2019, 90% of new patients completed an appointment in a mental health clinic within 30 days of scheduling an appointment, and 96.8% of established patients completed a mental health appointment within 30 days of the day they requested. For FY 2018, 48% of initial, in-person Primary Care — Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI) encounters were on the same day as the patient’s PC encounter. During the first quarter of FY 2019, 51% of initial, in-person PC-MHI encounters were on the same day as the patient’s PC encounter.

Veterans in crisis – or those concerned about one – should call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1, send a text message to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

APA and National Council for Behavioral Health Applaud the ISMICC’s First Report

By American Psychiatric Association



Washington, D.C. - December 17, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- The American Psychiatric Association (APA) and National Council for Behavioral Health commend the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for its report by the federal Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC). The report acknowledged that the health care system has failed to meet the needs of adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances, and outlined areas to help address this failure.

Based on initial deliberations, the ISMICC’s areas of focus include making it easier to access care, closing the gap between treatment that works and what is offered, and developing financing strategies that increase availability and affordability of care.

The APA and National Council call on the Department of Justice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and CMS to move swiftly to identify specific, concrete actions each agency can take to move forward these recommendations.

We will continue to contribute to and closely follow the ISMICC as we work together to improve the lives of all people with mental illnesses and addictions. They deserve nothing less.


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Early Intervention in Mental Health is Critical

By Senator Lamar Alexander (R - TN)




Washington, D.C. - December 14, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- At an oversight hearing on the mental health provisions in 21st Century Cures, Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said that early intervention for patients with mental health disorders is critical.

“Sean Lester is, by all accounts, a typical, Nashville young adult with a full-time job who also attends college,” Alexander said. “However, just before his 25th birthday, he experienced his first schizophrenic experience and has spent ten weeks receiving psychiatric treatment since 2014. Sean wrote me, saying, “This may seem slightly depressing, but my story does not end there. The doctors and staff I encountered at the hospital and at the Centerstone clinic taught me to live productively again in society. I have been free of the hospital for a whole year now. During that time, I have taken medication, returned to work, and even paid off a car! I am currently enrolled at Tennessee State University as a Junior pursuing a degree in Psychology.’”

Alexander continued: “Sean is one person out of nearly 10 million in the United States with a serious mental health condition. Without treatment, his story could have had a very different outcome. Over the past few years, this Committee has worked in a bipartisan way to update parts of the federal mental health system – including programs at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – for the first time in over a decade.”

Today’s hearing is the third oversight hearing on the 21st Century Cures Act, which included provisions from the Mental Health Reform Act that passed the committee on March 16, 2016 and updated programs at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) for the first time in a decade. Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, the first Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, a position created in Cures, has new authorities through Cures to work with states and federal agencies and to help more Americans receive the treatment they need.

“Most of the services, treatment, and care for people with mental health issues is provided by the private sector, like Vanderbilt, or through programs run by the states. The federal government plays a role through Medicaid and SAMHSA, which provided Tennessee with over $80 million grants last year.”

“Prior to our work on Cures, the coordination between federal agencies that provide mental health care was not as effective as it could have been. I hope today we will learn how implementation of these provisions is going. For example, how has coordination improved between federal agencies on the best ways to assist those with mental illness? We hoped that promising research into early intervention programs at the National Institutes of Health would translate into clinical applications for patients… I look forward to hearing about the progress being made to ensure more people can receive the help they need and have positive outcomes like Sean.”


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

House Adopts Tonko Amendment to Upgrade Mental Health Crisis Response Systems

Source: House Representative Paul D. Tonko (D-NY, 20th)

Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously to adopt an amendment by New York Congressman Paul D. Tonko that would allocate $12.5 million to states to establish real-time bed registries to assist individuals experiencing a psychiatric or substance abuse crisis.

Rep. Paul Tonko: “When a person is going through a mental health or substance use crisis, getting immediate and effective treatment can be a matter of life and death. Today, many states today lack a reliable system for keeping track of which treatment facilities have space available, meaning vulnerable patients are left waiting while overburdened healthcare workers call each area hospital, one by one, in the hope that they can find an appropriate placement. Even at its best, this is an inefficient and time-consuming process. At its worst, the results are tragic. By streamlining the process of finding the appropriate treatment placement for patients in crisis, this program promises to save lives, increase system efficiency, and provide a higher standard of care for those who urgently need it.”

The Strengthening Community Crisis Response Systems grant program was authored by Rep. Tonko and included as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, which was signed into law by former President Obama.

Bed registries supported by this legislation would collect and provide real-time Internet-based information regarding available beds, the type of patient that may be admitted, the level of security provided, and any other information that may be necessary to allow for the proper identification of appropriate facilities for treatment of individuals in psychiatric or substance abuse crisis.

These systems include psychiatric hospitals, crisis stabilization centers, first responders, emergency health care providers, primary care providers, law enforcement, court systems, health care payers, social service providers, behavioral health providers, and residential community resources.

Nurses, Mobile Workforce, Obamacare, Trumpcare, Airport Security, Mental Healthcare, Aerospace Defenses, Outsourcing, Small Business, London, Russia, Veterans, Energy, Syria

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Releases Statement After Introducing National Nurse Act of 2017
Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX, 30th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Johnson introduced the National Nurse Act of 2017, which would designate the Chief Nurse Officer position of the U.S. Public Health Service as “The National Nurse for Public Health.” Congresswoman Johnson released the following statement describing the importance of the bill:
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House Judiciary Committee Passes Rep. Johnson’s Mobile Workforce Bill
Henry C. (Hank) Johnson, Jr. (D-GA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s markup, Congressman Hank Johnson’s bipartisan Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017 passed the full House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19-2.
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ICYMI: Jordan reiterates opposition to current House Obamacare repeal bill on MSNBC’s Morning Joe
Jim Jordan (R-OH, 4th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe this morning to discuss congressional efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare. During the interview, Rep. Jordan reiterated his opposition to the American Health Care Act in its current form.
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IN LIGHT OF ENHANCED TSA AVIATION SECURITY PROCEDURES, REP. KATKO HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED NEED TO IMPROVE AVIATION AND AIRPORT SECURITY, SUPPORT TSA
John Katco (R-NY, 24th)
March 22, 2017
Following today’s announcement that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has temporarily prohibited electronics in carry-on bags on certain U.S.-bound flights, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee, highlighted the continued need to address evolving threats to aviation and to airports nationwide.
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KENNEDY: GOP BILL IS 'LARGEST ASSAULT ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN RECENT HISTORY'
Joseph P. Kennedy, 3rd (D-MA, 4th)
March 22, 2017
On the eve of a vote on the Republican health care repeal bill, Congressman Joe Kennedy III took to the House floor to highlight the devastating impact their legislation would have on those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders.
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REP. KHANNA CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF AEROSPACE DEFENSE CONTRACTOR BUSINESS PRACTICES
Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)
March 21, 2017
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) sent a letter today to the Defense Department Inspector General asking for an investigation into the business practices of aerospace company, TransDigm Group. Recent news reports indicate that TransDigm may be operating as a “hidden monopolist” and more information must be made available to the public on the company’s business practices.
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Kildee: Trumpcare will hurt Americans and our Economy
Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th)
March 21, 2017
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the Republican health care bill, known as Trumpcare. In his speech, Congressman Kildee called on his colleagues in Congress to vote against the bill that would mean higher costs for worse care and the loss of nearly two million jobs.
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Kilmer, Collins Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop the Outsourcing of American Jobs
Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th)
March 23, 2017
Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Doug Collins (R-GA) reintroduced a bill to prevent employers from sending jobs overseas by abusing a temporary visa program. The legislation would stop employers that are awarded temporary visas through the H-1B program from using them to train workers in the United States then move those jobs to another country.
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Kuster: Making It Harder for Veterans to Afford Health Insurance is Un-American and Nonsensical
Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Today it was reported in the Washington Examiner that as many as 7 million veterans could lose access to tax credits for their health insurance under the Republican bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The proposed change comes as a result of yet another late night amendment to appease the Tea Party wing of the Republican party. Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement in response to the proposed change:
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KUSTOFF: OBAMACARE IS COLLAPSING, AND DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION
David Kustoff (R-TN, 8th)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today said the following regarding the state of the Affordable Care Act.
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LaMalfa Votes to Empower Small Businesses
Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. This bill creates Association Health Plans (AHP) that allow small businesses to join together to negotiate for the same low health care costs and high quality care that larger businesses and labor organizations have access to. AHPs will increase small businesses’ bargaining power, expand affordable coverage for working families, and lower administrative costs.
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Lamborn Praises Additional Healthcare Legislation
Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Lamborn has released the following statements regarding two pieces of healthcare legislation that passed the House of Representatives:
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Langevin Statement on London Attack
Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
“This attack killed several innocent people and injured many more, including a police officer who died in the line of duty. The proximity of the attack to the Houses of Parliament certainly seems symbolic, and I join my fellow lawmakers from across the Atlantic in solidarity to condemn this cowardly act."
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Larsen, Murray Renew Push to Expand Access to Reproductive Services for Injured Servicemembers, Veterans, and Their Families
Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced bills in the House and Senate to permanently allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer reproductive services to veterans with service-connected injuries, repealing a decades-old ban. The Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act of 2017 would also expand the fertility options available to servicemembers through the Department of Defense (DoD), give access to fertility treatment for spouses, allow VA to provide adoption assistance, and make VA’s highly successful child care pilot program permanent.
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Larson Renews Call for Independent Investigation into Russia
John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)
March 23, 2017
Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after it was revealed that Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-22), the Republican Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee shared information with the White House, before sharing it with the Committee
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Latta Authors Bill To Protect Consumers And Strengthen ENERGY STAR Program
Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
March 22, 2017
Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Energy Star Program Integrity Act, to strengthen the popular ENERGY STAR program and protect consumers. The legislation fixes a gap in federal law that threatens the voluntary participation of manufacturers in the program, which ultimately harms consumers seeking energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that allows manufacturers to obtain ENERGY STAR labeling for products if specific energy saving guidelines are met.
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee: We Must Stop Endless War
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
March 21, 2017
Congresswoman Lee led a bipartisan coalition of House members in demanding the Trump Administration halt escalating military engagement in Syria. The coalition included: Congressman Walter Jones, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Congressman Keith Ellison, Congressman Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Peter Welch, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Congressman Rick Nolan. The Members were also joined by Afghanistan War Veteran Richard Allen Smith.
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REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON REPORT OF TRUMP ASSOCIATES’ POSSIBLE COLLUSION WITH RUSSIA
Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement regarding the CNN report that Trump associates possibly colluded with Russia to affect the outcome of the 2016 election in the United States.
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Lipinski Amendment Would Get Rid of the Giveaway to Health Insurance Companies and Executives in Republicans' Healthcare Bill
Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
March 21, 2017
“The Republicans’ American Health Care Act (AHCA) does not help the middle class or make the healthcare system in the U.S. better, but it does have a tax giveaway for health insurance companies and their top executives. The Republican healthcare bill repeals a provision in current law that limits how much health insurance companies can deduct from their federal taxes for executive pay. Right now, health insurance companies can only deduct up to $500,000 of compensation per executive. Repealing this limit means that taxpayers would lose about $400 million in taxes from insurance companies over the next ten years according to the Congressional Budget Office. Health insurance companies have a right to decide how much they will pay their executives, but hard-working middle-class families should not be subsidizing this pay. This is bad policy, and I have offered an amendment to strike this break from the AHCA."
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LoBiondo Statement on the American Health Care Act
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ, 2nd)
March 22, 2017
U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today issued the following statement on the expected vote on the American Health Care Act:
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Loebsack Statement on Delaying the Healthcare Repeal Vote
David Loebsack (D-IA, 2nd)
March 23, 2017
Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after House Republicans pushed back a scheduled vote on their plan to repeal the ACA. Republican leaders have been saying for the past week that there would be a vote on their repeal bill this evening
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