Underwood, Kennedy Address Mental Health Challenges Faced by Generation Z and Millennials

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Congressman Joe Kennedy III (MA-4) hosted a mental health forum to address challenges young Americans face with mental health. In the United States, suicide remains a leading cause of death among young Americans and research indicates the number is growing each year. The forum, which included a discussion with young adults as well as mental health professionals, provided an opportunity for community members to share personal stories and experiences with mental health and discuss ways Congress can work to improve access to mental health care and support systems.

"Young people are the future of our country—our community leaders, our business owners, and our caretakers; but they're facing a mental health crisis that is getting worse by the year. Access to mental health services depends on a lot of factors—stigma, available providers, and not least of all, affordability. That's why every day in Congress I fight to protect insurance coverage for mental health services and affordable access to care," said Underwood. "I am optimistic that because of the voices we heard today and through continued engagement, we can work to create more environments where people can talk as openly about mental illness as a physical illness. Thanks to Congressman Kennedy for joining me in this effort to reach out to young people, ask questions, listen intently, and commit to act."

"For too long mental health has been relegated to the sidelines of our system," said Kennedy. "This is a burden our generation bears deeply, with unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety, substance use disorder and suicide. Conversations like the one today are critical to eliminating the stigma around mental illness and keeping this issue front and center in Congress. I'm grateful for Congresswoman Underwood's leadership here and look forward to working together in the months ahead."

Underwood and Kennedy are members of the Future Forum Caucus. The Caucus consists of 50 diverse Congressional leaders with a broad spectrum of backgrounds, political ideologies, and constituencies. The goal of the Caucus is to initiate civic-engagement with younger generations through thoughtful discussions to learn about the unique opportunities and challenges they face.

Last month, legislation supported by Future Forum members secured a $2 million increase in resources for the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention grant program, which funds education and support services for vulnerable students in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, foster care systems, and juvenile justice systems.

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