Mental health awareness has been on the rise in recent years, especially with the added pressures covid-19 has supplied. We’ve come a long way as a society creating a space for those suffering from mental health issues, of any capacity, and creating a supportive and resourceful community. However, there is still more work to do.

There is a strong correlation between those living in poverty and those suffering from mental health conditions. Dealing with poverty alone is enough to exacerbate mental health conditions and substance use disorders. When we address mental health treatment, we’re helping to give life back to a person. When mental health is addressed, education and economic achievement follow.

While we work as a community to provide the empathy and resources needed to address these issues, we can also get help from our leaders. The Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act addresses mental health support through American global development assistance, and can help those living in poverty access the care they need.

Please urge your congressional leaders to pass the MINDS Act and help us take the next steps in prioritizing mental health.

Megan Marie Owens

Bellevue

The writer is a regional director for the Borgen Project.

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