Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Hansen on behalf of all Senators & Rep. Bentz on behalf of all Representatives

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

150th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 42

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY 2019 AS “MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, mental health is a critical part of overall health; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 5 adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year; and

WHEREAS, approximately half of all chronic mental illnesses begin by the age of 14 and three-quarters begin by age 24; and

WHEREAS, mental illnesses are brain health diseases; and

WHEREAS, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, the 2nd leading cause among young adults and 90% of people who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness; and

WHEREAS, long delays, sometimes lasting decades, often occur between the time symptoms first appear and when individuals get help; and

WHEREAS, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful management of mental health conditions; and

WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and learn the symptoms of mental illness in order to get help when it is needed; and

WHEREAS, every citizen and community can make a difference in helping end the silence and stigma that has surrounded mental illness for too long and discouraged people from getting help; and

WHEREAS, advocacy organizations, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Delaware (“NAMI Delaware”), encourage awareness and education to help erase the stigma associated with mental illness to help encourage treatment and create a stronger, healthier Delaware; and

WHEREAS, public education and civic activities can encourage mental health and help improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the 150 ^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representative concurring therein, that the month of May 2019 is recognized as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that many organizations, including NAMI Delaware, contribute to raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with brain health disease.