WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Leaders with the Patrick P. Lee Foundation in Williamsville recently launched its Be Kind 2 The Mind campaign. The purpose of the initiative is to create awareness and educate the public about mental health issues.

Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins and Republican Congressman Tom Reed put their political differences aside and partnered with the foundation to create a public service announcement. They say one in five adults have experienced a mental illness, while 60 percent of adults living with one don't get the treatment they need.

"We really want to encourage people to be a part of the solution. And it's so important that people call and tell their elected officials that funding for mental health is important," said Jane Mogavero, the foundation’s executive director. "Mental illness impacts everyone, our family, our friends, our neighbors. It doesn't matter if you're a Republican or a Democrat. It's an issue that affects our entire community."

This phase of the campaign ends May 31.