PRINTER'S NO. 2720
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
574
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY MURT, OCTOBER 21, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGING AND OLDER ADULT SERVICES,
OCTOBER 21, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the week of October 7 through 13, 2019, as "Mental
Health Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Mental health is part of an individual's overall
health; and
WHEREAS, One in five adults experience a mental health
problem in any given year; and
WHEREAS, Approximately one-half of individuals who have a
chronic mental illness develop signs by 14 years of age; and
WHEREAS, Approximately three-quarters of individuals who have
a chronic mental illness develop signs by 24 years of age; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the
United States and the second leading cause of death among young
adults; and
WHEREAS, Ninety percent of people who die by suicide have an
underlying mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Decades-long delays can occur between the first
appearance of symptoms of a mental illness and the time when an
individual seeks treatment; and
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WHEREAS, Early identification and treatment can make a
difference in successful management of mental illness and
recovery; and
WHEREAS, It is important to maintain mental health and learn
the symptoms of mental illness in order to seek treatment when
needed; and
WHEREAS, Every individual and each community in this
Commonwealth can make a difference in ending the silence and
stigma that has long surrounded mental illness and discouraged
people from seeking treatment; and
WHEREAS, Public education and civic activities can further
promote mental health awareness and improve the lives of
individuals and families affected by mental illness; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
week of October 7 through 13, 2019, as "Mental Health Awareness
Week" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize mental
illness and help fight stigma, provide support, educate the
public and advocate for equal care; and be it further
RESOLVED, That all citizens, businesses, schools and
community organizations be encouraged to take the StigmaFree
Pledge at www.nami.org/stigmafree in conjunction with this
observance.
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