(WASHINGTON, DC)A healthy mind is the first requisite of a healthy body. Alcoholism, drug dependency, depression, seclusion, abuse and violence are physical reflections of mental conditions. Nearly 40 million adult Americans suffer from an array of mental health disorders, diseases that are largely misunderstood and, until now, have received less than adequate attention. Even less is known about mental aberration in children.

A year ago, I attended the first ever White House Conference on Mental Health. We focused on fundamental issues in mental health care, including access to quality health services, special attention to youth and their particular needs, and a campaign against the negative stigma related to mental health disorders. The conference was a landmark event, the very first organized by an administration to address an issue that has long silenced adults and children suffering from mental health disorders.

Since the White House conference, I have worked with the Administration and members of Congress who share my concerns for equal health care access to all Americans regardless of their physical or psychological needs. Because many people fear what they do not understand, aggressive steps to increase public awareness of the severity of mental illness is imperative.

In September, as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Health Task Force, I initiated hearings to explore health disparities within the Hispanic community, including mental health. Findings indicate that minority communities are disproportionately affected by mental health disorders. Poverty, limited access to relevant services, and a negative stigma keep many victims behind closed doors instead of seeking the help they need.

Following the Hispanic Caucus hearing, the Surgeon General released his report on mental health. Like the White House Conference, the report marks the first ever initiative on mental health by a Surgeon General and the first step in removing the stigma associated with mental health disorders.

Early last week, the Vice President's wife, Tipper Gore, a leader on mental health issues, announced the Administration's intention to form the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign. This campaign will bring the anti-stigma efforts to the local level, including community groups and advocacy organizations. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the tell-tale signs of troubled youth.

While the negative stigma of mental health disorders remains the foremost barrier to accessing services, we must also remember that mental health disorders are like any other physical illness -- we must seek help from health professionals. Yet, federal health insurance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have minimal mental health coverage provisions. In light of the recent violence in our schools, Congress should pay particular attention to the need for mental health coverage for children.

Over the last year much has been done to continue the momentum of the White House Conference on Mental Health. I am encouraged by the continued support from the White House, and I stand ready to move to the next level of ensuring access to service for those in need.

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