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John McCain and Mental Health
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No response regarding Mental Health
With the RNC underway today, I thought it would be prudent to take a look at the most recent campaign talking points that the Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain has regarding the state of mental health in this country. I was surprised to learn, that in fact, John McCain has no public stance on mental health care and has released little to no statements regarding it.
To quickly compare candidates, Health08.org has released a side by side comparison of the details of each candidates health care plans.
Where in there are no specific provisions listed at all in McCain’s health care plan, Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama’s plan has listed this provision:
“Improve Mental Health Care. Mental illness affects approximately one in five American families. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that untreated mental illnesses cost the
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) released this questionnaire to both candidates containing 24 questions regarding such issues as
Parity Legislation (Equal funding for both Mental and Physical health)
Ensure Veterans and Reservists receive mental health care and disability
Provide Opportunities for Homes and Jobs for Americans Living with Mental Illness
Among others. While Sen. Barack Obama sent back the questionnaire filling out Strongly Support in every column, Sen. John McCain released a blanket statement about health care, scantily mentioning mental health care at all. McCain did not fill out the questionnaire.
As for McCain, one of the most important, recent mental health bills: “To provide an additional $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010, to be used for readjustment counseling, related mental health services, and treatment and rehabilitative services for veterans with mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, or substance use disorder.” McCain voted against. Full bill is listed here.
As mental illness effects one in every five Americans, this would be one of the most important issues concerning the election. Considering the fact that his VP pick Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has a child with Down’s Syndrome, one would hope this would become a more personal agenda. I ask that during this election season, whether you vote Democrat or Republican, you write to John McCain and ask him to consider speaking on this subject on a broader scale. His constituency is large and people need to hear and open a dialogue concerning this record.
