"This bill seeks to prevent the tragic results of mental illness, such as suicide or violence, before they occur," Roukema said. "By raising awareness of mental illness among teachers, emergency services workers and police, we can help those with mental disorders get the professional medical treatment they need and get that treatment in time. In doing so, we will also fight the stigma of mental illness." Roukema was the original sponsor of mental health parity legislation to end discrimination against mental illness.

"As a society, we are still struggling to acknowledge that mental illness is a real sickness in need of medical care," Roukema said. "It is time for society to recognize that mental illness is not a character flaw, but a tangible, treatable health problem as real as hypertension, cancer or heart disease. Today, the advances of our medical system have given us scientific breakthroughs that make appropriate mental health care as effective as insulin for a diabetic. Most people who suffer from mental illness can live normal lives if they receive appropriate treatment."

"The increase in violence and the movement toward deinstitutionalization along with new prescription drug treatments form the basis for these reforms," Roukema said.

The Mental Health Early Intervention, Treatment and Prevention Act of 2000 will be introduced today by Rep. Ted Strickland, D-Ohio, with Roukema as an original co-sponsor. Its key provisions include:

• An anti-stigma campaign using media and public education.
• Training for teachers, emergency services workers, law enforcement officers and primary care physicians to help identify and respond to mental illness among students, criminal suspects and patients. Increased mental health screening in jails would be included.
• Emergency mental health centers that would be established to act as mental health "emergency rooms."
• A demonstration project to divert individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system to community-based services.
• A suicide prevention program intended to provide timely assessment and referral.
• Grants for community mental health treatment and outreach programs.
• A blue ribbon commission to make recommendations on mental health issues.