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Brenda Mennella: An Authentic Advocate for Mental Health

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Brenda Mennella is running for the House of Representatives because she knows the future of our community also depends on addressing the growing mental health crisis. Whether it's the emotional well-being of our children, the mental health needs of our veterans, or the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, Brenda has the experience, compassion, and commitment to bring real solutions to the table.

For Our School Children: Building Strong Foundations for Success

Brenda’s 20+ years as a public school teacher and special education specialist give her a unique perspective on the critical importance of mental health in schools. She has seen how untreated mental health issues—such as anxiety, depression, and trauma—have led to increased behavioral issues, lower academic performance, and, tragically, higher rates of self-harm and suicide among our youth.

• Fighting for Mental Health Resources in Every School: Brenda knows that children today face unprecedented mental health challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, and the pressures of academic achievement. That’s why she is advocating for legislation that will fund the hiring of additional school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Currently, in many schools, one counselor may serve hundreds of students—this is unacceptable. Brenda will fight for staffing ratios that ensure every child has access to professional help when they need it.

• Mental Health Education for Students and Teachers: Brenda understands that early intervention is key. She will push for the implementation of mental health education in school curricula, teaching students from a young age how to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, and depression. Brenda also wants to ensure that teachers and school staff receive proper training to identify and support students who may be struggling.

• Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Support: Brenda believes every school should have a dedicated safe space where children can speak freely about their mental health without fear of stigma. She will advocate for school programs that offer group counseling, peer support networks, and after-school wellness initiatives to create a culture of mental health awareness and care.

For Our Veterans: Honoring Those Who Serve with Real Support

Brenda Mennella knows the struggles that service members face when they transition back into civilian life. Many veterans return home with invisible wounds like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues. Despite serving their country with honor, far too many veterans are unable to access the mental health care they need.

• Expanding Access to Mental Health Care for Veterans: Brenda will fight to ensure veterans have comprehensive access to mental health care, including better funding for VA services and local mental health facilities. She supports streamlining the process for veterans to access mental health treatment, ensuring no one falls through the cracks due to bureaucratic red tape.

• Addressing PTSD and Trauma Recovery: Veterans suffering from PTSD need specialized care. Brenda is committed to funding evidence-based treatment programs, such as trauma-focused therapy, and expanding support groups where veterans can connect and heal with peers who understand their experiences. Brenda’s leadership will ensure veterans get the long-term support they need to live fulfilling, stable lives.

• Suicide Prevention: With veteran suicide rates alarmingly high, Brenda will advocate for suicide prevention programs specifically targeted at veterans. This includes funding crisis intervention programs, mental health hotlines, and mobile mental health units that can reach veterans in remote or underserved areas.

For Vulnerable Populations: A Safety Net for Those in Need

Brenda’s work with Hygiene for Homeless has given her a deep understanding of the mental health struggles faced by the homeless, particularly homeless veterans. Homelessness and mental health issues are deeply intertwined, with many individuals experiencing severe mental illness, substance use disorders, or trauma that complicates their path to stability.

• Mental Health and Homelessness: Brenda will fight to create pathways for vulnerable populations to access the mental health care they need. This includes ensuring shelters and transitional housing programs have mental health counselors on-site and that affordable mental health services are readily available to those at risk of homelessness.

• Addressing Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Substance use often goes hand in hand with mental illness. Brenda will advocate for more integrated treatment programs that tackle both issues simultaneously, helping people break the cycle of addiction and untreated mental illness that often leads to homelessness.

• Support for Homeless Veterans: Homeless veterans are among the most vulnerable populations, often battling PTSD, depression, and addiction. Brenda will push for specialized mental health services for homeless veterans, ensuring they are given the care and dignity they deserve after their service.

Brenda Mennella: The Right Choice for Mental Health, The Right Choice for District 21

Brenda Mennella's experience, compassion, and commitment make her the right choice for District 21. She understands that mental health is not an issue we can afford to ignore any longer. Brenda will work tirelessly to ensure that our children, veterans, and vulnerable populations have access to the care they deserve. Her opponent, Frank Burns, has shown no such commitment. It’s time for leadership that puts people first—and that leader is Brenda Mennella

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