Recent research indicates that when parents receive treatment for psychiatric and substance use disorders, the likelihood of family separation decreases significantly. Timely access to effective treatment for parents can be a decisive factor in preserving family bonds and preventing the escalation of mental health and substance use crises. The study's findings underscore the urgent need to address barriers to treatment access for vulnerable parents, particularly those involved with child welfare systems due to substance use disorders. Improving access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment services can play a crucial role in promoting family preservation and child well-being.

However, our public mental health outcomes continue spiraling downward. This crisis has far-reaching consequences, where lives are lost not just due to healthcare inefficiencies or prohibitive costs, but to a failure of multiple systems. The U.S. faces rising suicides and untreated mental health conditions, highlighting an urgent need for systemic reform. Timely action must be taken to avert further loss, instill accountability, and ensure the well-being of our communities.

My push for mental health reform is deeply personal, sparked by my grandfather's suicide which deeply impacted my family and highlighted the struggles low-income families face with mental health issues. This tragedy, alongside my........

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