Mental Health Legislation Honors Late Strongsville Teen

Strongsville OH

01 November, 2021

10:42 AM

Description

STRONGSVILLE, OH — New legislation — named in part for a late Strongsville teen — would authorize federal agencies to research the neurological impact of COVID-19. The Brycen Gray and Ben Price COVID-19 Neurological Impact Act authorizes the National Science Foundation to award grants to support research into the psychiatric issues associated with the virus. The legislative package was co-introduced by Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a Republican whose district includes Strongsville. Gray was a 17-year-old Strongsville resident who died earlier this year. "The heartbreaking loss of Brycen Gray and Ben Price has shone an unforgiving light on how little we know about COVID-19's direct impact on mental health," Gonzalez said. "While we've made great strides to further understand COVID-19 and its complexities, significant research gaps remain as to how and why this virus can hit the brain and trigger serious mental illnesses." Live in Strongsville? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. Gray took his own life after battling COVID-19 and its side effects, Gonzalez's team noted. "My bill effectively closes these gaps and lays the groundwork for preventing and treating these illnesses in the future. I am proud to lead this legislation alongside my colleagues and honor the legacies of Brycen and Ben, Gonzalez added.