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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Children and adolescents, like adults, can have |
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mental health disorders that affect their ability to lead happy, |
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active lives; and |
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WHEREAS, Studies show that one in every five children in the |
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United States will need mental health care services during his or |
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her lifetime; it is further estimated that more than 250,000 young |
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Texans are in need of mental health assistance and live at or below |
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200 percent of the federal poverty level; and |
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WHEREAS, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for |
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Texans between the ages of 15 and 34, and over 12 percent of Texas |
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high school students report that they have attempted suicide at |
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least once; if left untreated, mental health issues can increase |
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the risk of suicide, in addition to contributing to the likelihood |
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of problems at school, family conflicts, and drug use; and |
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WHEREAS, Children and youth with mental, emotional, and |
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behavioral health needs and their families can achieve a better |
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quality of life when they are provided with appropriate resources, |
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treatments, and support and when they are met with acceptance and |
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understanding in their communities; the Texas System of Care was |
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established with the vision of building a coordinated network of |
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community-based services that can help young people function better |
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at home, at school, and elsewhere in their lives; and |
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WHEREAS, Children's Mental Health Awareness Day on May 6, |
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2019, which coincides with National Mental Health Month, is |
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dedicated to highlighting the importance of positive mental health |
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to the development of all children and youth; and |
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WHEREAS, Our communities share the responsibility of |
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ensuring that young people have access to the services they need to |
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feel safe, happy, and confident, and the observance of Children's |
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Mental Health Awareness Day is an opportunity to affirm our |
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commitment to addressing a public health issue with real |
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implications for the future of our state; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize May 6, 2019, as Children's Mental |
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Health Awareness Day and encourage Texans to learn more about the |
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prevalence of mental health conditions in children and youth; and, |
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be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the Texas System of Care as an expression of high |
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regard by the Texas House of Representatives. |