Video clip from episode available here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=18wvYJ6O0CQ

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano appeared on the Ricki Lake Show to discuss mental health and suicide prevention. Joining Napolitano on the show were Dancing With the Stars celebrity, Mark Ballas and his mother Shirley Ballas, author Jill Bialosky, Dr. Kita Curry, and other individuals affected by suicide.

“Individually and collectively, we must continue to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness,” said Napolitano, Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. “It is critical that we encourage people to reach out and say that they are hurting so that they can that they can get the help they need.”

“Suicide is an illness, but it can be addressed, fixed, and prevented.” said Mark Ballas. “We need to help people build confidence so they can get help and we can get to the core of the problem.”

Mark Ballas is a member of Congresswoman Napolitano’s Mental Health in Schools Act Task Force. The Task Force uses pubic events and media appearances to raise awareness about youth mental health and garner support for H.R. 751, the Mental Health in Schools Act. Other members of the Task Force include world champion boxer Mia St. John, Los Angeles Laker Metta World Peace, and widely-acclaimed Los Angeles band Ozomatli.

The Mental Health in Schools Act would provide grant funding to establish on-site preventive mental health services in public schools, including professional therapists, educational outreach to reduce stigma in the community, and services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for each community. Eastmont Intermediate is one of 11 schools in Napolitano’s district currently running her mental health program, which she started in 2001 after learning that one in three Latinas has contemplated suicide.

Mark Ballas lost his Uncle David to suicide in 2003. He later established the Ballas Foundation with his mother, professional dancer, and leading dance coach Shirley Ballas, to raise awareness about suicide and mental illness.

To learn more about the Mental Health in Schools Act, visit http://napolitano.house.gov/legislative-work/mental-health-schools-act

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK

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