RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, mental health is critical to our well-being and vitality as well as that of our families, communities, and businesses; and

WHEREAS, one in ten keiki has a serious mental health disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to problems in school, physical illness, substance abuse, and even suicide; and

WHEREAS, mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and schizophrenia are real and common yet treatable; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization found that mental illnesses ranked first in the United States in terms of causing disabilities and, collectively, are the most prevalent health problems in America today, being more common than cancer, lung disease, and heart disease combined; and

WHEREAS, President Bush's New Freedom Commission declared that mental disorders and mental health problems affect people of all backgrounds and all walks of life and that no one is immune from them; and

WHEREAS, the National Mental Health Association, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, and their national partners observe Mental Health Month each May to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illnesses; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii has made a commitment to community-based systems of mental health care for all residents; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii is pleased to join in recognizing and applauding the valuable role that families and advocates of mental health patients play in helping our community advance the fight against mental illness; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the Senate concurring, that the Governor is requested to designate the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Director of Health, who is requested to transmit copies to the Mental Health Association in Hawaii, Clubhouse Coalition, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (Oahu and Hawaii), Adult Mental Health Division-Consumer Affairs Office, United Self-Help, and Hawaii Families as Allies.

Report Title:

DESIGNATING MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH