LANSING — Today is world mental health day, established by the World Health Organization and observed every year on October 10. The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders in the mental health field to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. In observance of World Mental Health Day, state Rep. Isaac Robinson (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:

“We have a duty to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness because mental health is a human rights issue. The most recent World Health Organization report states that nearly two-thirds of people who know they have a mental disorder never seek help. Licensed professional counselors are on the frontlines of the mental health crisis, and they need our support, so they can focus on helping their patients. That’s why I fought so hard for House Bill 4325 because people are already hesitant to ask for help, and we need to make sure when they find someone they can trust and confide in, they can get the help they need."