Mental illness is among the most painful and stigmatized diseases, and it costs America more than $300 billion per year. What will you do to reduce the human and economic costs of mental illness?

The costs of caring for mental illness not covered by private health insurance are primarily the responsibility of the local and state governments, not the federal government. As somebody working with youth for 50 years, I agree that it is a painful and stigmatizing aspect of mental illness; and I see first hand the need for effective mental health treatment. You do not want the federal government assuming control over this. Each person must be treated on a respectful individual basis close to home. Citizens have a right to complaint is their local government fails to provide needed services.