[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 160 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 160

 Honoring Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental 
Health Association) on the 100th anniversary of its founding and for a 
                 century of significant contributions.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 11, 2009

Mr. Kennedy (for himself, Mrs. Bono Mack, Mr. McDermott, Ms. Bordallo, 
 Mr. McGovern, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Kaptur, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Honda, Mr. 
Cummings, Mrs. Christensen, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Baca, Mr. Wexler, and 
 Mr. Stark) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                  the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Honoring Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental 
Health Association) on the 100th anniversary of its founding and for a 
                 century of significant contributions.

Whereas Mental Health America, the Nation's oldest and leading nonprofit 
        dedicated to mentally healthier lives, and its over 300 affiliates 
        nationwide over the last 100 years have achieved lasting change and 
        progress on behalf of individuals with mental conditions and their 
        families;
Whereas in 1909, Clifford W. Beers, a young businessman who experienced 
        firsthand the treatment of individuals with mental illness, founded 
        Mental Health America;
Whereas in 1930, Mental Health America convened the First International Congress 
        on Mental Hygiene in Washington, DC;
Whereas in 1946, Mental Health America advocated for passage of the National 
        Mental Health Act, which created the National Institute of Mental 
        Health;
Whereas in 1953, Mental Health America commissioned the casting of the Mental 
        Health Bell from chains and shackles that restrained people with mental 
        illnesses in decades past;
Whereas in 1963, Mental Health America supported passage of the Community Mental 
        Health Centers Act, which called for deinstitutionalization and 
        increased community services;
Whereas in 1966, Mental Health America advocated for inclusion of mandated 
        mental illness services in Medicare;
Whereas in 1974, Mental Health America successfully demanded that a ``Have you 
        ever been mentally Ill?'' question be removed from Federal Government 
        employment forms;
Whereas in 1987, Mental Health America organized the National Action Commission 
        on the Mental Health of Rural Americans regarding the delivery of mental 
        health services to citizens living in rural areas;
Whereas in 1994, Mental Health America, in conjunction with the Congressional 
        Black Caucus and the National Institute of Mental Health, organized the 
        first comprehensive conference on The State of Mental Health and Mental 
        Illness in Black America;
Whereas in 2008, Mental Health America, along with a coalition of mental health 
        and other advocates, succeeded in having the Mental Health Parity Act 
        signed into law;
Whereas Mental Health America recognizes mental health as a public health, 
        academic, and social justice issue;
Whereas Mental Health America supports individuals who have experienced and are 
        seeking recovery from mental health problems or addictions and 
        represents a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness 
        for the health and well-being of the Nation; and
Whereas in 2009, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, Mental Health America 
        has renewed its commitment to continue its vital work into a new century 
        to end discrimination against persons with mental illnesses, integrate 
        mental health with overall health and health care reform, increase 
        research into the causes and cures of mental illnesses, and expand 
        access to effective, high-quality treatment, prevention, and early 
        intervention services: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors Mental Health 
America on its 100th anniversary year as its volunteer board of 
professionals and affiliate field and dedicated staff continue their 
noble work to support the millions of individuals living with, or at 
risk of, mental health and substance use problems, and their families.
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