Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 63 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to designate the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

The Department of Health, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Disabilities Rights Center, Mental Health Association of Hawaii, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Oahu, and two concerned individuals provided testimony in support of this measure.

Your Committee finds that there is still a stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, and that the designation of the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Hawaii will increase public awareness that having a mental illness is a treatable condition.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 63 and recommend its adoption.