Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 185
CHAPTER 93
Relative to Mental Health Awareness Month.
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Filed with
Secretary of State
June 05, 2024.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 185, Hart.
Mental Health Awareness Month.
This measure would designate May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in California.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how we think, feel, and act, including how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices; and
WHEREAS, Mental health allows us to maintain relationships, take care of ourselves and our families, take care of our physical bodies, and respond and adapt to daily life changes; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 20 percent of children and young people 3 to 17 years of age, inclusive, in the United States have a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder; and
WHEREAS, One in five adolescents 12 to 17 years of age, inclusive, have had a major depressive episode in the past year; and
WHEREAS, The number of deaths by suicide increased by 8 percent from 2011 to 2022; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people 10 to 34 years of age, inclusive, and the 11th leading cause of death in the United States overall; and
WHEREAS, A lack of mental health awareness leads to devastating impacts on the well-being of individuals and society; and
WHEREAS, Evidence-based mental and behavioral health training teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in youth and adults and provides skills to use a five-step action plan to help someone who may be facing a mental health challenge or crisis, such as suicide; and
WHEREAS, Adolescent mental health first aid trainings are proven to reduce stigma and teach teens how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature of the State of California hereby designates May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in California to enhance public awareness of mental health; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.