A bill to reform the country's mental health care system has been introduced by Senator Chris Murphy.  He stopped in Danbury Monday to talk with mental health providers and advocates at Family & Children's Aid.  The organization provides behavioral and mental health treatment to more than 1,700 Danbury-area children and their families. 

Murphy was joined by 5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, Danbury State Representative Bob Godfrey, Western Connecticut State University President John Clarke, Western Connecticut Health Network President Dr. John Murphy and FCA Board member Gene Eriquez.

He spoke to a crowd of about 200 people.

(Photos Courtesy: Sen. Murphy, Twitter)

Murphy previously held a dozen round tables across the state to get input on what should be included in the reform bill.  He says there's a lot of attention being paid to the mental health system because of the recent mass shootings, but notes that it's broken for everyone regardless of if they're connected to a mass shooting or not.

Murphy says a lot of people want to make sure the reform bill he's introduced is not just about what happens in the clinician's office.  He says good mental health means having a strong family, a roof overhead, and being able to stay employed.  He says a good mental health system recognizes there are all sort of supports around a family that makes their mental health more likely to succeed.

(Sen. Murphy, state Rep. Godfrey, Congresswoman Esty, Board member Gene Eriquez)

Murphy says he heard loud and clear Monday that this bill should empower places like Family & Children's Aid.