Napolitano Speaks To National Hispanic Medical Association - Plenary Session To Address The Effect Of Depression On The Latino Community

Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk) addressed a plenary session of the 12th Annual Conference of the National Hispanic Medical Association's (NHMA) today. She spoke at a session titled "Recognition and Management of Depression and Co-Morbidities in the Hispanic Population." The session will be held from 11 am - 3 pm in Room HC-7 of the U.S. Capitol. It will be the first meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors who will serve from 2008-2012.


The NHMA is a non-profit association representing 36,000 licensed Latino physicians in the United States. The organization's mission is to improve the health of Latinos and other underserved populations.


Napolitano recognized the members of the NHMA for the important work they do, while also recognizing the need to do more - not just doctors, but also family, friends and neighbors - to recognize and seek assistance when someone is suffering from depression, especially now with the epidemic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among soldiers who served in the Iraq War.


"Too many people who struggle with depression and PTSD also struggle with the stigma of mental illness," Rep. Napolitano told the group of medical professionals. "It is a tragedy that so many should suffer with these feelings of shame when what they need is understanding, hope and care."


Rep. Napolitano is co-chair of the bi-partisan Congressional Mental Health Caucus and has been a leader on issues of mental health, especially those affecting adolescent Latinas and veterans.


Grace F. Napolitano - 38th Congressional District of California

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