Recognizing the significant and often overlooked behavioral health needs experienced by individuals and families affected by rare diseases, and for other purposes.

Key Points

• This resolution asks the House of Representatives to formally recognize the mental health struggles of people living with rare diseases. It points out that millions of Americans, many of them children, face long delays in getting a diagnosis. These delays often lead to anxiety, depression, and trauma for patients and their families.
• The proposal calls on federal health agencies to make mental health a priority in their research and care programs. It suggests that mental health services should be a standard part of treatment for rare diseases. This would help address the shortage of trained doctors and the high costs that families currently face.
• It encourages the government to support peer support programs where patients and families can help each other. It also asks for better training for doctors and higher pay for mental health workers. These steps aim to ensure there are enough specialists available to help families dealing with rare medical conditions.

Impact Analysis

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