Death of Robin Williams sheds spotlight on mental health funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The death of Robin Williams shocked the nation.

But the National Alliance of Mental Illness says depression and related conditions are a problem in millions of homes.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said more than 39,000 Americans commit suicide each year, 90 percent of which have a mental illness.

Critics say Florida's mental health budget hasn't kept pace.  It's increased by just over 1 percent from 2009 to 2012.

During that same time frame, $4 billion was cut from mental health budgets nationwide.

For additional information visit:

• http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• http://www.afsp.org/
• http://nami.org/

WJAX