Us Congress House Bill HR372

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/23
• Refer: 5/9/23
• Refer: 5/12/23

Caption

Expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as "Mental Health Awareness Month".

Impact

This resolution aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promotes the need for expanded funding and resources dedicated to mental health services. Importantly, it acknowledges the disparities in mental health care access, particularly among LGBTQ youth and people of color, advocates for increased support structures for veterans, and calls for collaborative efforts across various sectors to address mental health effectively. The resolution serves as a call to action for better mental health awareness and support mechanisms, which could influence state laws and policies related to mental health services.

Summary

House Resolution 372 expresses support for the designation of May 2023 as 'Mental Health Awareness Month.' The resolution highlights the pressing mental health challenges faced by Americans, notably exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It references various surveys indicating high levels of psychological distress among the population, including alarming statistics regarding mental health among youth and communities of color. Moreover, the bill recognizes the importance of mental well-being as on par with physical health, emphasizing the need for intervention and support within communities and among vulnerable populations.

Contention

While the resolution aims to unite stakeholders in tackling mental health challenges, it may face opposition from critics who argue about the effectiveness of awareness campaigns versus actionable change. Some may feel that while promoting awareness is crucial, there needs to be a stronger emphasis on policy change and funding allocation to address systemic issues in mental health care access and services. Concerns may also arise regarding the adequacy of the proposed measures for effectively addressing the mental health crisis, especially considering high rates of suicide and mental disorders in certain demographics.