Mental health issues have taken on increasing importance over the past year following Cho Seung-Hui’s deadly assault at Virginia Tech which left 32 dead and many others seriously injured. Cho’s violence-filled writings, called “very graphic” and “extremely disturbing” by fellow student Ian MacFarlane, concerned many in the English department at this prestigious Virginia university and were perhaps unintentional warnings of what was to happen in April of last year. Cho had apparently been seen prior to that date by mental health professionals and referred by a magistrate for further mental health evaluation, but did not follow through.

At this time, Virginia’s Governor Timothy Kaine has outlined his strategy for addressing the problems in that commonwealth’s mental health system and called on the General Assembly to address those challenges. Perhaps because the tragedy caused by Cho’s mental health “issues” hit so close to home, Kaine is keenly aware of the extent of the festering troubles in our midst.

Back to the point of this article, though, i.e., Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards.

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) recently sent a questionnaire to all presidential candidates in each party to elicit their thoughts on mental health. NAMI does not endorse political candidates, and the questionnaires were to be used to educate the public about the candidates’ beliefs and stands on mental health issues.

As of this date, only three questionnaires have been returned—Clinton’s, Obama’s, and Edwards’. Senator John McCain has provided a statement about his stand on mental health issues, and Mitt Romney has indicated that he does not respond to questionnaires.

It appears as if many of those interested in the highest office in this land have no opinion on an issue that affects an estimated 26.2 percent of our adult population (translation=57.7 million people over the age of 18) and 20 percent of our children (translation=between 6.4 and 9 million people under the age of 18) until and unless they become front runners.

Mental illness and mental health care is not a new issue. It has always been with us. The candidates have beliefs and stands on this issue, whether or not they are presidential front runners. Given the extent and gravity of the mental health crisis issues facing us today, all candidates running for office should have a statement readily available for the asking. After all, they never know when their friends or family or even they themselves will find they are a part of the group served by mental health professionals and in need of the support of our government.