[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 86 (Friday, May 3, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 26221-26222]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10749]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 86 / Friday, May 3, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 26221]]


                Proclamation 8969 of April 30, 2013

                
National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Today, tens of millions of Americans are living with 
                the burden of a mental health problem. They shoulder 
                conditions like depression and anxiety, post-traumatic 
                stress and bipolar disorder--debilitating illnesses 
                that can strain every part of a person's life. And even 
                though help is out there, less than half of children 
                and adults with diagnosable mental health problems 
                receive treatment. During National Mental Health 
                Awareness Month, we shine a light on these issues, 
                stand with men and women in need, and redouble our 
                efforts to address mental health problems in America.

                For many, getting help starts with a conversation. 
                People who believe they may be suffering from a mental 
                health condition should talk about it with someone they 
                trust and consult a health care provider. As a Nation, 
                it is up to all of us to know the signs of mental 
                health issues and lend a hand to those who are 
                struggling. Shame and stigma too often leave people 
                feeling like there is no place to turn. We need to make 
                sure they know that asking for help is not a sign of 
                weakness--it is a sign of strength. To find treatment 
                services nearby, call 1-800-662-HELP. The National 
                Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers immediate assistance 
                for all Americans, including service members and 
                veterans, at 1-800-273-TALK.

                Our commitment cannot end there. We must ensure people 
                have access to the care they need--which is why the 
                Affordable Care Act will expand mental health and 
                substance use disorder benefits and Federal parity 
                protections for 62 million Americans. For the first 
                time, the health care law will prevent insurers from 
                denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition. 
                The Act already requires new health plans to cover 
                recommended preventive services like depression 
                screening and behavioral assessments for children at no 
                extra cost to patients.

                My Administration will keep building on those 
                achievements. Earlier this year, I was proud to launch 
                the BRAIN Initiative--a new partnership between 
                government, scientists, and leaders in the private 
                sector to invest in research that could unlock new 
                treatments for mental illness and drive growth 
                throughout our economy. We have made unprecedented 
                commitments to improving mental health care for 
                veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury and 
                post-traumatic stress disorder. And we have proposed 
                new funding for mental health programs that will help 
                teachers and other adults recognize the signs of mental 
                illness in children, improve mental health outcomes for 
                young people, and train 5,000 more mental health 
                professionals to serve our youth.

                Mental health problems remain a serious public health 
                concern, but together, our Nation is making progress. 
                This month, I encourage all Americans to advance this 
                important work by raising awareness about mental health 
                and lending strength to all who need it.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim May 2013 as National 
                Mental Health Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, 
                government agencies, organizations, health care 
                providers, and research institutions to raise mental

[[Page 26222]]

                health awareness and continue helping Americans live 
                longer, healthier lives.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2013-10749
Filed 5-2-13; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F3