Senator Marshall Recognizes National Mental Health Awareness Month

Junction City - Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) recognized National Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to those in need of mental health care around the state. From military families who sacrifice to protect our country, to farmers who feed the nation, and everyday Kansans, mental health affects people in all walks of life.

"As a veteran and as a family member to those who have served, I have seen the toll military service can take on a family. As a fifth-generation farm kid and a rural doctor, I know farmers aren't exempt from mental health struggles either," said Senator Marshall. "Kansans take pride in serving others first, but sometimes care isn't available when they finally need it for themselves. I am fighting to ensure every Kansan - from our military installations to our family farms - has access to the mental health resources they need."

Today, on National Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Senator Marshall took part in a Military Family Mental Health Roundtable in Junction City, Kansas, with stakeholders from the community, including Pawnee Mental Health, Konza Prairie Community Health, Cohen Veteran Mental Health Clinic, Irwin Army Community Hospital, Geary County USD 475, and Manhattan USD 383. The discussion centered around supporting military families at Fort Riley through mental health resources, particularly during upcoming deployments from the base.

As part of his focus on mental health in Kansas, Senator Marshall has made mental health awareness and community support for farmers and ranchers a priority. Every year, more American farmers die by suicide than in farm accidents - yet stigma and lack of awareness in rural communities remain persistent barriers to care. Senator Marshall has been a part of events, participated in mental health discussions at HHS, and championed Community Health Centers as a stigma-free avenue for rural Kansans to access mental health services.

To support mental health for Kansans in all walks of life, Senator Marshall advocated for robust funding for mental health resources in this year's appropriations requests:

• Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN): In April, Senator Marshall requested $10 million in federal appropriations for FRSAN to support rural communities by delivering targeted, community-based support in areas where access to mental healthcare is limited. See his letter to the Senate Ag CommitteeHERE.
• 998 funding: Senator Marshall has advocated for "robust funding" for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides assistance and resources to those experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC): Senator Marshall has long supported the important work of CCBHCs in bridging the mental health gap in rural America. Learn more about his advocacy HERE.

###

Contact: