Posted: | February 25, 2014 11:00 AM |
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From: | Representative Michael H. Schlossberg |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution declaring May 2014 as “Mental Health Awareness Month” |
In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution designating May 2014 as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Mental health problems can affect individuals of any race, religion age or economic status. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that an estimated 20% of Americans 18 years of age and older, about one in five adults, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. People with mental illness have the same needs and rights as all Americans, but they experience discrimination in education, employment and housing. A lack of full and proper treatment for those adults with mental illness costs public and private employers billions of dollars annually through absenteeism, turnover and low productivity. However, with proper treatment and support, individuals with mental illness can lead full, productive lives. Early identification and treatment of mental illness, as well as ensuring access to treatment and support, has been proven to be effective. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution. |
Introduced as HR740