Promises Without Power
President Trump’s May 2025 declaration of National Mental Health Awareness Month arrived with lofty words about compassion and support. Yet, for the 58 million adults facing mental illness each year, these words offer little comfort. Only 43 percent of those affected receive treatment. The gap between the administration’s rhetoric and the reality on the ground is glaring, and it demands a closer look.
The proclamation highlights the Make America Healthy Again Commission, which promises transparency and research. These are worthy goals, but they dodge the urgent need for accessible care. When nearly 60 percent of people with mental disorders go untreated due to provider shortages and insurance barriers, talk of compassion feels hollow. Effective policy requires tangible resources, not just well-meaning statements.
Veterans, rightly noted in the proclamation, face unique struggles. Between 14 and 16 percent of those deployed since 2001 are at risk for PTSD or depression. However, the Veterans Administration grapples with staffing shortages and privacy issues, with telehealth sessions often conducted in crowded spaces. Genuine support would prioritize funding and infrastructure to ensure veterans get the care they deserve.
The administration’s approach lacks ambition. Mental health care demands robust federal investment, expanded access, and protections against insurance practices that limit treatment. Cutting $11.4 billion in COVID-era mental health grants undermines any claim of commitment. Americans need policies that deliver, not promises that fade.
The Human Toll of Neglect
Mental health challenges are surging. Suicide, the second leading cause of death for people under 44, took 49,000 lives in 2022. Young women, in particular, have reported sharp declines in well-being since 2010. These numbers represent real people—parents, siblings, friends—whose struggles carry a $190 billion annual economic burden from lost earnings.
Access to care remains a stubborn obstacle. Rural areas face severe provider shortages, and insurance companies often restrict coverage through prior authorization or limited networks. Telehealth has made strides, accounting for over 50 percent of VA mental health visits, but inconsistent reimbursement policies hinder progress. These barriers deepen inequality and leave millions without help.
The decision to halt $11 billion in pandemic-era grants, including $160 million in Washington State, has triggered lawsuits and alarm. These funds supported crisis response, outpatient services, and school programs. Their loss destabilizes communities, particularly for youth, veterans, and low-income families. Such cuts prioritize fiscal restraint over human lives.
Evidence points to better options. The 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act bolstered school counselors and community care, proving bipartisan solutions exist. Expanding Medicaid, enforcing parity laws, and securing telehealth funding would bridge gaps. These steps require courage and commitment, not retreat.
Building a Stronger System
Advocates for fair health care have long fought for systemic change. The 1963 Community Mental Health Act set a precedent: mental health care is a fundamental right. Landmark efforts, from the National Institute of Mental Health in 1949 to the 2008 parity laws, show that bold federal action can reshape lives for the better.
Today’s priorities include expanding Medicaid to reach low-income adults, strengthening parity enforcement to curb insurance discrimination, and implementing universal screening to catch issues early. Non-coercive crisis response models, endorsed by Mental Health America, respect individual dignity. These policies are practical, grounded in evidence, and focused on equity.
Veterans need targeted support. Proposals like the BRAVE Act and HOPE for Heroes Act would enhance outreach and suicide prevention. Teletherapy, which reduces emergency behaviors by over 20 percent among rural veterans, demands consistent funding. These measures honor veterans’ sacrifices with meaningful action.
Some argue that state-led block grants offer flexibility. However, this approach often results in uneven care and underfunded systems. Proposals for Medicaid time limits or mandated treatment prioritize control over compassion, ignoring the social drivers of mental health struggles. A national, equitable framework serves people better.
A Call for Real Solutions
Raising awareness, as the proclamation urges, is a starting point. But saving lives requires a system that meets people’s needs—geographically, financially, and emotionally. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, handling 7.5 million calls yearly, demonstrates the impact of investment. Scaling it up, alongside community programs and telehealth, could revolutionize care.
This issue touches everyone—the veteran battling unseen wounds, the teenager facing despair, the family navigating a fragmented system. Words alone won’t suffice. We must demand robust funding, universal access, and genuine compassion. The future of our communities hangs in the balance.