85R8611 BK-D

By: Price H.R. No. 321

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Mental Illness Awareness Day is being hosted at the State Capitol on February 8, 2017, by the Mental Illness Awareness Coalition in an effort to raise public consciousness of an issue impacting the lives of millions of Texans; and

WHEREAS, While it is estimated that one in every five Americans suffers from mental illness, a higher rate than that of cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, many conditions can be managed effectively with treatment, making it possible for patients to lead healthy and meaningful lives; and

WHEREAS, The State of Texas is home to organizations that are committed to improving services and support for persons with mental illness; among those organizations are the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Texas, Mental Health America of Texas, the Federation of Texas Psychiatry, and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Texas, which together form the Mental Illness Awareness Coalition; through education and advocacy, these groups endeavor to promote treatment and prevention, eliminate the stigma of mental illness, increase housing opportunities, and advance investment in mental health programs with the goal of maximizing outcomes for as many Texans as possible; and

WHEREAS, Mental health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of all people, and Mental Illness Awareness Day provides an opportunity to bring attention to this vitally important matter and to the commendable efforts of those organizations and advocates who are working to ensure that all Texans are afforded the care they need; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 8, 2017, as Mental Illness Awareness Day at the State Capitol and encourage all Texans to learn more about mental health conditions, treatment, and prevention.