PRINTER'S NO. 3850
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1001
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY MURT, DiGIROLAMO, BIZZARRO, BOBACK, R. BROWN,
BULLOCK, COOK-ARTIS, SCHLEGEL CULVER, CUTLER, DEAN,
DONATUCCI, DUSH, EVERETT, GIBBONS, GINGRICH, GODSHALL,
HARHART, HENNESSEY, KINSEY, KIRKLAND, LONGIETTI, MAHONEY,
MAJOR, MARSICO, McNEILL, MILLARD, NEILSON, D. PARKER,
READSHAW, REGAN, ROZZI, SAYLOR, SCHLOSSBERG, SCHWEYER,
SONNEY, STAATS, VEREB, WARD, WATSON AND YOUNGBLOOD,
SEPTEMBER 15, 2016
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
SEPTEMBER 15, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the week of October 2 through 8, 2016, as "Mental
Illness Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Mental health is part of overall health; and
WHEREAS, One in five adults experiences a mental health
problem in any given year; and
WHEREAS, Approximately one-half of chronic mental illness
begins by 14 years of age; and
WHEREAS, Approximately three-quarters of chronic mental
illness begins by 24 years of age; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the
United States and the 2nd leading cause 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
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appearance of symptoms and the time when individuals get help;
and
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 person 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
getting help; 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 2 through 8, 2016, as "Mental Illness Awareness
Week" in Pennsylvania to shine a light on mental illness and to
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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