Hoyer Speaks on Panel at the Mental Health Association of Maryland's Conference

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) today spoke on a panel at the Mental Health Association of Maryland's (MHAMD) centennial conference, BrainFutures 2015. MHAMD is the state's only volunteer, nonprofit citizen's organization that brings together consumers, families, professionals, advocates and concerned citizens for unified action in all aspects of mental health and mental illness.

"I was pleased to join the Mental Health Association of Maryland today for their centennial conference," said Congressman Steny Hoyer. "The work mental health professionals do in Maryland and nationwide is critical to the millions of patients suffering from mental illnesses and substance abuse issues. I cannot overstate the importance of improving access to mental health treatment for the 18.5 percent of Americans estimated by the National Institutes of Health to suffer from a mental illness each year. I have been proud to join my Democratic colleagues in supporting research and innovation, and also to promote investing in the health care workforce, from social workers to primary care providers to specialists. We have a lot of work to do to ensure that all Americans who need mental health care get the quality support they need. I hope my colleagues in Congress can work together, going forward, to find workable solutions that provide access to better care and support for patients and their loved-ones."

The conference was attended by advocates, leading clinicians, scientists, entrepreneurs and industry leaders who focused on how to prevent or lessen the severity of behavioral health conditions and improve outcomes.