PRINTER'S NO. 711
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.96
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY TARTAGLIONE, SCHWANK, VOGEL, CULVER, KANE,
COMITTA, PHILLIPS-HILL, FONTANA, GEBHARD, MARTIN, HAYWOOD,
SANTARSIERO, COLLETT, HUGHES, STEFANO AND CAPPELLETTI,
APRIL 30, 2025
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 30, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, There are currently millions of Americans with
mental health conditions and an estimated 1.8 million adults in
this Commonwealth have a mental health condition according to
the National Alliance on Mental Illness; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, more than 1 in 5 adults live
with a mental illness and 1 in 5 adolescents 13 to 18 years of
age is either currently dealing with or at some point suffered
from a seriously debilitating mental illness; and
WHEREAS, About 5% of adults in the United States live with a
serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
or major depression, including an estimated 447,000
Pennsylvanians; and
WHEREAS, Mental illness is subject to change over time and
can happen to anybody from any background, although common risk
factors include adverse child experiences, trauma, history of
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17 abuse, substance use, chronic medical conditions and other
social and biological factors; and
WHEREAS, Mental health conditions can create serious daily
social-emotional challenges for those that live with them and
also play an inexorable role in physical health, particularly
increasing the risk of conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart
disease and stroke; and
WHEREAS, While public opinion has become much more informed
and accepting of mental health issues in the last decade, the
way our health institutions, businesses, schools and governments
respond to our growing understanding of mental health still
leaves much room for improvement; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1949, "Mental Health
Awareness Month" has been a time for the public and our
institutions to address mental health challenges and is
celebrated by organizations such as the United States Department
of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, the National Institute of Mental
Health, the American Hospital Association and many others; and
WHEREAS, Recognition of "Mental Health Awareness Month"
reflects and furthers a national movement dedicated to
eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public
education and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-
being of individuals and families affected by mental illness;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize May 2025 as "Mental
Health Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to recognize the
importance of mental health to individual well-being; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Senate pursue policies that promote the
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30 mental health of all of this Commonwealth's residents and its
parity with physical health in providing mental health
resources, education, treatment and insurance coverage.
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