2024 Senate Resolution 120

Whereas, According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed nationwide since May of 1949 as a way to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with mental health conditions, as well as recognize the efforts of the mental health professionals and caregivers who stand by them throughout their journey; and

Whereas, The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) defines mental illness as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that can vary in impact, ranging from no impairment to mild, moderate, and even severe impairment; and

Whereas, Mental illness impacts individuals in every community of our state, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality; and

Whereas, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) documented, for the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, that each year, 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness, that 1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness, and 1 in 6 youths ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder; and

Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rates of mental illnesses such as depression have been increasing in youths aged 6-17 since 2007. While high school students who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual reported higher rates of poor mental health than their heterosexual peers prior to the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, data shows that the pandemic only exacerbated their experiences with mental health challenges. This trend was consistent for teenage girls when compared to teenage boys, with girls being significantly more likely than boys to have poor mental health before, and particularly throughout, the pandemic; and

Whereas, NAMI indicates that individuals living with mental health conditions are more likely to experience cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, substance use disorders, and unemployment. Youths impacted by mental illness and mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns are more likely to drop out of high school or repeat a grade between the ages of 6-17 as well; and

Whereas, According to statistics collected by the CDC in 2021, suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 48,100 people. It was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34, the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fifth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35-44; and

Whereas, While much progress has been made to support individuals living with a mental illness since the inception of Mental Health Awareness Month, continued efforts to raise awareness and understanding about the prevalence of mental illness, its impacts, and the importance of mental health are crucial to assisting those impacted live their everyday lives and maintain recovery; and

Whereas, We must work together to educate our entire population about what can be done to support the individual and unique needs of those living with mental illness, eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and seeking support from mental health professionals, and recognize the impacts that mental health has on individuals, families, and their communities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month. We strongly support the efforts of national, state, and local partners, and every citizen to actively engage in public and private efforts to spread awareness about the importance of mental health to the wellbeing of our communities; and be it further

Resolved, That we will take appropriate action and support one another to recognize the many physical, emotional, and social outcomes that mental illness impacts, and work to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and receiving care.