Friends and neighbors,
The need for accessible mental health care has never been greater.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated issues our state and nation were already experiencing: increased psychiatric-related ER visits, a lack of resources for our children and young adults, and a complex system for parents to navigate.
That’s why I am so proud and honored to have championed House Bill 303 in the Senate in support of the tireless leadership of Representative Valerie Longhurst in the House. With strong bi-partisan support, House Bill 303 along with House Bill 300 and House Bill 301 were recently signed by Governor John Carney at Sean’s House, a mental health safe haven for young adults.
Much like our health care plans allow us to see our primary care physician for an annual check-up, House Bill 303 will ensure insurance companies also cover an annual mental health wellness check for all Delawareans.
Managing mental health means being proactive and taking preventative measures. While you may not have a history of anxiety, depression, or any of the many mental health conditions that can affect us daily, life has a way of throwing unexpected situations at us, and we, as a state, need to have the resources available to help get our neighbors through those difficult situations.
Mental health conditions aren’t a sign of weakness. They can happen to anyone, at any stage of life. Getting an annual wellness check from someone who can evaluate your mental health should be a normal part of everyone’s healthcare.
Thank you to Representative Longhurst for introducing this package of bills to make Delaware a leader in mental healthcare.
While there is no quick fix for ending this mental health crisis, we are moving in the right direction with House Bill 303.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.
Sincerely,
Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12
