Committee on Health & Environmental Protection
May 24,2017 City Council Meeting
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, one out of every five Americans suffers a mental health disorder during any given year; and,
WHEREAS, the impact of mental illness reaches families, neighborhoods, schools and the workplace; and
WHEREAS, May has been recognized as national Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949; and,
WHEREAS, mood disorders, including major depression and bipolar disorder, are the third most common cause of hospitalization in the U.S. for those aged 18—44; and
WHEREAS, one person dies by suicide every 13 minutes and approximately 44,000 Americans took their own lives in the past year; and
WHEREAS, mental health is a key component of everyone's overall physical health and emotional well-being; and
WHEREAS, feelings of personal shame and fears of social discrimination prevent many living with mental illness from seeking help; and
WHEREAS, untreated mental illness leads to greater numbers of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, school drop-outs, and suicides; and
WHEREAS, stigma leads to fear, mistrust, and violence against people with mental illness, who are significantly more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violent crimes; and
WHEREAS, greater public awareness about mental wellness can positively transform attitudes towards people with mental illness, so making it easier for our fellow citizens to seek help; and
WHEREAS, we must empower law enforcement, first responders, doctors, and families to help those with the most severe mental illnesses; to ensure that people with mental illness have access to treatment and services; and to fight the stigma associated with mental illness which can prevent people from seeking care; and
WHEREAS, We must enhance our understanding of mental illness and its relationship to other complex societal challenges, including homelessness and substance abuse; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the Mem...
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