Mental health is an important, but under-discussed, aspect of our healthcare system. Whether from stigma, lack of awareness, or insufficient finances, mental health issues often go un-discussed and untreated, and often impact a patient’s ability to adhere to their physical healthcare regimen.

Ohio’s U.S. senator, Rob Portman, while working with his Republican colleagues to replace the Affordable Care Act, has emphasized repeatedly the need to maintain funding and access to mental health care in any replacement legislation. He has often commented on how the increased access to mental health treatment, including drug addiction counseling, has benefited the people of Ohio.

One example of that is the work that the Community Action Organization (CAO) is doing to integrate mental and behavioral healthcare into their medical care regimen.

During a recent meeting of that organization, Family Guidance Center Clinical Director John Hurley explained how they were integrating behavioral healthcare into their treatment regimens, and how that was helping people adhere to their physical care regimen.

By working on the stressors in their lives that distract people from doing things like taking their medication regularly, or from sticking to a diet prescribed by their physicians, the CAO’s clinics are not only improving their patients’ physical health, they are improving their quality of life.

We commend the CAO on this integrated approach to healthcare, and in taking care of the whole person, not just the disease, and sincerely hope that any legislation replacing the ACA includes the funding for mental healthcare that our communities so desperately need.