[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 84 (Thursday, May 26, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S3297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   SENATE RESOLUTION 480--SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF MAY 2016 AS 
                        ``MENTAL HEALTH MONTH''

  Mr. CASSIDY (for himself, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Alexander, and Mrs. Murray) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 480

       Whereas mental health and the emotional well-being of 
     individuals in the United States are foundational issues that 
     affect individual, family, and community quality of life and 
     economic prosperity;
       Whereas studies note that individuals with serious mental 
     illness die, on average, 25 years earlier than individuals in 
     the general population;
       Whereas individuals with mental illness, behavioral health 
     disorders, or co-occurring substance use disorders can 
     recover through treatment that includes psychosocial therapy, 
     clinical treatment, and peer support, alone or in combination 
     with behavioral, psychiatric, psychological, or integrated 
     medical services;
       Whereas prevention strategies can prevent or delay the 
     onset of many mental health conditions;
       Whereas recovery-oriented interventions such as supported 
     employment, supported housing, and supported education have 
     been shown to improve outcomes for individuals with mental 
     illness;
       Whereas mental illness impacts individuals across the 
     United States and in every walk of life;
       Whereas nearly 44,000,000 adults in the United States live 
     with mental illness and 20 percent of children and 
     adolescents have a diagnosable mental health disorder;
       Whereas 1 in 25 individuals in the United States has lived 
     with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar 
     disorder, or major depression;
       Whereas approximately \1/2\ of students age 14 or older 
     with a mental illness drop out of school and 70 percent of 
     adolescents in the juvenile justice system have a mental 
     illness;
       Whereas the average delay from the onset of symptoms of 
     mental illness to therapeutic intervention for teens is 
     between 8 and 10 years;
       Whereas suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the 
     United States and leads to the death of more than 41,000 
     individuals in the United States each year;
       Whereas negative perception and stigma continue to be 
     associated with mental illness, which contributes to 
     individuals not seeking needed care;
       Whereas nearly 15 percent of men and 31 percent of women in 
     jails have a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, 
     major depression, or bipolar disorder; and
       Whereas it would be appropriate to observe May 2016 as 
     ``Mental Health Month'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of ``Mental Health Month'' to 
     reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to 
     encourage individuals to seek care;
       (2) recognizes that mental well-being is critically 
     important and linked to the well-being of individuals, 
     communities, and the economy in the United States;
       (3) supports the integration of national and local 
     community efforts to promote public awareness of mental 
     health and to support individuals and families affected by 
     mental illness; and
       (4) encourages the people of the United States to view 
     ``Mental Health Month'' as a chance to promote mental health 
     wellness, to ensure access to services, and to improve the 
     quality of life of individuals living with mental illness.

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