SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 554

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join Mental Health America of Texas and citizens from across the state in honoring the Mental Health Bell, which will be on display at the State Capitol on March 27, 2013; and

WHEREAS, In the early days of mental health treatment, asylum patients were often restrained with iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists; as the true nature of mental illnesses became better understood, and more effective treatments were discovered, this cruel and inhumane practice mercifully came to an end; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1950s, Mental Health America issued a call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and shackles; these restraints were then melted down by the organization at the McShane Bell Foundry and recast into a symbol of hope, the Mental Health Bell; and

WHEREAS, The recasting of these chains and shackles into a bell reflected a sense of optimism in the field of mental health, the recognition of a new era in the treatment of mental illness, and the realization that mental health patients can be contributing members of society; it is truly fitting that the Mental Health Bell be celebrated as a tribute to the courage and strength of those facing mental illnesses and as a symbol of hope and progress in the field of mental health treatment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby join Mental Health America of Texas in recognizing the Mental Health Bell and commend the efforts of all who have worked to improve the mental health system; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 27, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate