Q&A with Rep. Tom Emmer

In honor of People Incorporated’s 50th anniversary, I’m having conversations with leaders in Minnesota regarding mental health in our community. I recently talked with Rep. Tom Emmer, who has a worked to increase access to mental health care, including raising awareness of mental health issues in the farming community.

Jill: What do you think is the current most urgent mental health issue facing Minnesota and the country?

Rep. Emmer: Access. We are not only facing shortages of health care professionals, but also with providing mental health services on parity with physical health treatments. In addition, with rules like the Institutes for Mental Disease (IMD) exclusion, which excludes federal funding for mental health facilities with more than 16 beds, it is increasingly difficult for facilities, especially in rural areas, to provide coverage. Congress must do more to expand access to and promote awareness of mental health. One of the ways I have personally worked to provide access to resources is through the STRESS Act, which provides suicide crisis assistance to farmers and rural communities. In addition to authorizing the program, we were also recently able to secure full funding for this vital program.

Jill: What experiences or observations from your work in the field give you hope for the future of mental health care?

Rep. Emmer: The stigma which once surrounded mental health treatment fades every day, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Not only are district residents being treated at People Incorporated, but communities like East Bethel are opening their doors to new facilities. More and more, communities are saying "Yes, in my backyard." We all know someone who has struggled with mental illness. We are slowly starting to understand that these are our parents, children, siblings, or close friends – and they need help. There are innovative ideas being developed to ensure people can receive this care.

Jill: What are your hopes for mental health in Minnesota for the next 50 years?

Rep. Emmer: I think to wrap the two previous points together, ensuring that access to care and resources are available regardless of where you live or what you do, and working to treat mental health with the same importance as physical health. Minnesota has always been a leader in the health care industry – and People Incorporated plays a big role in providing that leadership. I hope our state continues to pioneer new paths to effective treatment, and explore new ideas and innovations that ensure resources are available for those struggling.

Thanks, Rep. Emmer. For those interested in celebrating People Incorporated’s 50th anniversary with us, please visit our website to learn more about our event on Oct. 4.