Mental Health Legislation Honors Late Strongsville Teen

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."

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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.