AMHCA is pleased to announce that U.S. Representative Thomas J. Rooney (R-FL), member of the House Armed Services and Judiciary Committees, has agreed to serve as Honorary Chair for Mental Health Counseling Week, to be held May 3-9, 2010, during National Mental Health Month.
4.7.10
Alexandria, VA - April 6, 2010 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association is pleased to announce that U.S. Representative Thomas J. Rooney (R-FL), member of the House Armed Services and Judiciary Committees, has agreed to serve as Honorary Chair for Mental Health Counseling Week, to be held May 3-9, 2010, during National Mental Health Month.
Each year, Mental Health Counseling Week is designated to educate families, schools, communities, health policymakers, health insurers, health professionals, and employers about the importance of mental health. The week focuses on the contribution mental health counseling plays in ensuring the improvement of mental health, and consequently, holistic health.
Rep. Rooney, a Republican representing Florida's 16th Congressional District, was elected in November, 2008. Representative Rooney's public service began upon completing law school and serving for four years in the United States Army JAG corps. In the JAG corps, Rep. Rooney served as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney at the Armyís most populous base, Fort Hood, TX, prosecuting all civilian crimes on post. Later, Representative Rooney was selected to teach Constitutional and Criminal Law at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In 2004, Representative Rooney returned home to Florida and worked as an Assistant Attorney General under then Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist. Upon leaving the Attorney General's Office, Representative Rooney served as CEO of a home for abused and neglected children known as The Children's Place at Home Safe.î In 2006, Governor Jeb Bush appointed Representative Rooney to the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County Board of Directors.
In his freshman term, Representative Rooney has been an outspoken advocate for improving the mental health services for America's troops. Along with fellow freshman Representative Michael McMahon (D-NY), Congressman Rooney has introduced legislation to increase mental health funding and services for America's troops. In November 2009, Representative Rooney and Representative McMahon introduced the CARES Act. If enacted, the CARES Act would expand access to mental health services by allowing licensed mental health counselors to independently deliver mental health services to TRICARE beneficiaries.
In response to Rep. Rooney's selection as Honorary Chair of AMHCA's Mental Health Counseling Week, AMHCA President, Linda Barclay, Ph.D., PCC-S, LICDC NCC commented, ìAMHCA lauds Rep. Rooney for his promotion of the mental health counseling profession by way of his desire to enhance the mental health services made available to America's soldiers.î Joan Normandy-Dolberg, LPC, chairwoman of AMHCA's Public Awareness, Advocacy, and Marketing Committee recommended the selection of Rep. Rooney as Honorary Chair. Ms. Normandy-Dolberg adds, ìRep. Rooney uniquely understands the importance of strong mental health to the overall functioning of Americaís military. AMHCA is honored to have Rep. Rooney serve as Honorary Chair of Mental Health Counseling Week, and AMHCA remains eager to assist Rep. Rooney in his efforts to enhance the mental health services received by America's active duty military personnel as well as veterans.