2023 House Resolution 103

Whereas, The month of May is observed every year as Mental Health Awareness Month across the United States to educate communities about mental illnesses and reduce the stigma that surrounds them; and

Whereas, Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being; and

Whereas, All Americans face challenges in life that can impact their mental health; and

Whereas, The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that over 1.3 million Michiganders have a mental health condition; and

Whereas, Prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental health conditions; and

Whereas, There are practical tools that all people can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency; and

Whereas, With effective treatment, those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives; and

Whereas, By ignoring the illnesses of our fellow citizens, it will only further stigmatize those who suffer from a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder; and

Whereas, Each business, school, government agency, health care provider, organization, and citizen share the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention and treatment efforts; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2023 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we call upon all citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools to commit to increasing the awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps we can take to protect mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.