In September, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County broke ground on its Pediatric Mental Health Facility, which will house Orange County’s first inpatient program that can accommodate children under the age of 12. It will also allow CHOC to open intensive outpatient programs and expand mental health services for children with chronic illnesses. I was proud to be a part of the ground-breaking ceremony and see so many members of our community come together for this common goal.
When CHOC broke ground on that facility, it broke down barriers and removed some of the unfair stigmas associated with mental health. Importantly, CHOC took major steps to ensure that children who suffer from mental illness receive the care they need.
With this new facility, O.C.’s mental health care system will ensure our children have access to quality mental health care, yet sadly, a reliable mental health care system remains out of reach for too many of the estimated 10 million Americans who have a serious mental illness.
In O.C., an estimated one in five children are affected by a mental health condition, meaning more than 150,000 local children face mental health challenges. Currently, there are no psychiatric inpatient beds in O.C. for children under the age of 12, and O.C. has fewer psychiatrists, psychologists and licensed social workers than other cities and counties in California. Even more troubling, approximately two children, who have attempted suicide or experienced suicide ideation, per day go to CHOC’s Emergency Department.
There is no doubt we still have a long way to go to ensure that every American has access to quality mental health care, but the 21st Century Cures Act provides the first steps for the overhaul we need. CHOC’s Pediatric Mental Health Facility will revolutionize mental health care in our community, and I am hopeful its model will be emulated across the country. Americans in every community should have access to quality mental health care, and we cannot — and will not — stop until they do.
To read more of Mimi Walters, who represents the 45th Congressional District, please click here.
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