Manley Works to Provide Mental Health Care, Recognizes World Mental Health Day

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – In order to help raise awareness on the variety of mental health resources residents have access to, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting World Mental Health Day and encourages residents to take a few moments to learn about what mental health resources are available to them.

“With so many residents dealing with mental health issues, especially with the isolation and stress that the pandemic has caused, it is important that residents know that help is available,” said Manley. “Mental health is a key component of overall health for an individual, and we must ensure that all residents have access to the mental health resources that they need.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, over half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental health illness or disorder in their lifetime. To ensure that all residents are able to effectively manage their mental health care, Manley has worked to expand access to mental health resources in a variety of ways. This session, Manley helped pass legislation expanding mental health care accessibility by requiring insurance providers to cover medically necessary mental health care. She also voted for a measure to help student mental health by allowing them to have up to five excused absences for mental health reasons.

Manley is encouraging those suffering from mental illness or who have a loved one experiencing mental health problems to take advantage of the Call4Calm text line, which connects residents with local mental health services, by texting TALK to 552020. For more information on mental health resources, please visit the Illinois Department of Human Services’ website at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=123539.

“While there has been a focus on physical health over this past year, we cannot afford to neglect mental health care and let residents struggle with their mental health without any support,” said Manley. “Moving forward, I will continue my efforts to increase access to mental health services to all Illinoisans and ensure we are not leaving anyone behind.”