The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING ORLI SHEFFEY AND SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
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HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I am here to shed light on the unprecedented mental health crisis that is devastating countless families, including many in my own community.
Earlier this year, I attended the funeral of Orli Sheffey, an outstanding young constituent, and the daughter of my dear friend Steve Sheffey. She passed away at the age of 19 as a result of mental illness--an invisible illness that far too many Americans confront. I rise to honor Orli today. In Hebrew, Orli means ``my light,'' and Orli was a light to so many. She was a daughter, a sister, a classmate, and a friend, and while her time on this Earth was brief, her impact is lasting.
It is clear that we must confront the nationwide mental health crisis. Too many people feel like they are in darkness. Too many people feel alone and ashamed. And too many people cannot find the resources and health care that they need. According to reports, 4 in 10 Americans report suffering from anxiety or depression. It's not hard to see why. Americans have been forced to deal with a devastating pandemic, mass shootings, racial injustice, and increasing hate crimes and intolerance.
Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration recognize this crisis. I am proud that we passed the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, to improve mental health resources for healthcare workers. I am grateful that the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline is now LIVE. I urge anyone who is struggling with a mental health crisis to call the 9-8-8 lifeline. And we need to make sure that the resources that Congress has already created are known and easily accessible. In 2016, my bill, the Mental Health on Campus Act was enacted through an appropriations package. It created a grant program to ensure that colleges and universities could provide vital mental health resources for students. We must make sure students can access these resources and do not feel ashamed or stigmatized for doing so. There is much more work to be done.
It is critical at this moment that we honor Orli. Part of what we can do is to work to shine light on this crisis. I will never stop fighting to ensure that the mental health needs of our communities are met.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 121(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 121(2)
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