WHEREAS, one in five children ages 13-18 have or will have a serious mental illness; and
WHEREAS, addressing the complex mental health needs of children, youth, and families today is fundamental to the future of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, the need for comprehensive, coordinated, and effective mental health services for children, youth, and families places upon our community a critical responsibility; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize and emphasize children's mental health and well-being as a crucial part of Mental Health Awareness month every year; and
WHEREAS, there are many organizations that work with Chicago's children, youth, and young adults living with mental health or substance use disorders providing services that promote the health and wellness of these youth and their families; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this 23rd Day of May, 2018, do hereby declare support for children's mental health during the May 2018 Mental Health Awareness Month. We urge citizens, agencies, and organizations interested in meeting every child's mental health needs to unite during this month to acknowledge the importance of access to mental health services for children, youth, and families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city will continue to foster greater awareness of the importance of mental health among young Chicagoans, and hereby affirms to promote activities and programs that address mental health conditions for young Chicagoans.
Arrteya Pawar Alderman, 47th Ward