[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 243 Introduced in House (IH)]







106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 243

  Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the importance of mental 
   health awareness, mental disorders, and early detection of mental 
             illnesses to facilitate entry into treatment.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 27, 2000

 Mrs. Jones of Ohio (for herself, Mr. Franks of New Jersey, Mr. Owens, 
     and Mr. Meeks of New York) submitted the following concurrent 
      resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
  Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the importance of mental 
   health awareness, mental disorders, and early detection of mental 
             illnesses to facilitate entry into treatment.

Whereas an estimated 28 percent of the population of the United States has a 
        diagnosable mental or substance abuse condition;
Whereas only 8 percent of adults with a diagnosable mental disorder use mental 
        health services;
Whereas a remaining 20 percent of those adults with a diagnosable mental 
        disorder never receive timely treatment;
Whereas nearly 11 percent of children and adolescents receive mental health 
        services from school systems;
Whereas the Surgeon General's Report, ``Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon 
        General'', emphasizes the fact that mental health is fundamental to 
        overall health, that Americans need to better understand the importance 
        of mental health, and that Americans should know mental health services 
        are available and should seek mental health services when necessary;
Whereas the Surgeon General reported that mental disorders and illnesses are 
        critical health concerns facing all segments of society;
Whereas education and information about mental health and mental health services 
        are important to detection and treatment; and
Whereas Congress as an institution and Members of Congress individually are in 
        unique positions to help raise public awareness about mental health: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That it is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) all Americans should find out more about mental health 
        services in their communities and seek mental health treatment 
        when necessary;
            (2) the Secretary of Education should encourage, establish, 
        and promote a mental health campaign in elementary and 
        secondary schools across the Nation; and
            (3) the Federal Government has a responsibility to--
                    (A) endeavor to raise awareness about mental 
                health; and
                    (B) continue to consider ways to improve access to, 
                and the quality of, mental health services.
                                 <all>