[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 90 (Thursday, May 23, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 709--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF MAY 
               2024 AS ``MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH''

  Mr. LUJAN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                              S. Res. 709

       Whereas millions of people in the United States face mental 
     health challenges and have unmet mental health needs;
       Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, mental health disorders are chronic conditions, 
     and, without proper diagnosis and treatment, children can 
     face problems at home and in school, which can interfere with 
     the future development of those children;
       Whereas more resources should be dedicated in schools to 
     the prevention, early detection, and treatment of mental 
     health disorders in children;
       Whereas childhood depression is more likely to persist into 
     adulthood if it is left untreated;
       Whereas it is important that the United States provides the 
     necessary funding and resources to reach children and youth 
     early on in life;
       Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of 
     digital technologies, such as social media;
       Whereas there has been a great concern about the impact of 
     social media on the mental health of children and youth;
       Whereas social media exposes children to bullying, 
     depression, anxiety, and self-harm;
       Whereas there is a strong need to further understand and 
     deter any negative impact of social media on children and 
     youth;
       Whereas disparities remain in access to mental health 
     treatment for communities of color, with Asian, Native 
     American, Hispanic, and Black individuals less likely to 
     receive mental health care than their counterparts;
       Whereas suicide is a significant public health issue that 
     can have an enduring impact on individuals and their 
     communities;
       Whereas additional resources should be dedicated to the 
     prevention of suicide in the United States;
       Whereas veterans are more likely to experience mental 
     health challenges than civilians;
       Whereas it is important that the United States provides 
     additional funding and resources to support veterans with 
     mental health needs; and
       Whereas it would be appropriate to observe May 2024 as 
     ``Mental Health Awareness Month'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of May 2024 as ``Mental Health 
     Awareness Month'' to remove the stigma associated with mental 
     illness and place emphasis on scientific findings regarding 
     mental health recovery;
       (2) declares mental health a national priority;
       (3) supports increasing access to mental health services;
       (4) recognizes that mental well-being is equally as 
     important as physical well-being for the citizens, 
     communities, schools, businesses, and economy of the United 
     States;
       (5) applauds the coalescing of national, State, local, 
     medical, and faith-based organizations in--
       (A) working to promote public awareness of mental health; 
     and
       (B) providing critical information and support to 
     individuals and families affected by mental illness; and
       (6) encourages all individuals to draw on ``Mental Health 
     Awareness Month'' as an opportunity to promote mental well-
     being and awareness, ensure access to appropriate coverage 
     and services, and support overall quality of life for those 
     living with mental illness.

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