SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 240
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join Texans across the state in observing February 28, 2013, as
Mental Illness Awareness Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Mental disorders are the leading cause of
disability in the United States; in Texas, approximately one in
four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given
year, while some 11 percent of Texas children have a mental
illness, and suicide is the second leading cause of death in
Texans from age 15 to 24; and
WHEREAS, Mental health funding has been cut by billions of
dollars across the nation; with thousands of psychiatric beds no
longer available, many people with mental illness end up in jail
or prison; nearly half of all people experiencing homelessness
suffer from mental health issues; and
WHEREAS, Post-traumatic stress disorder has become a
serious problem among our nation's military veterans; the United
States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that nearly one
third of Vietnam veterans and at least 200,000 veterans of Iraq
and Afghanistan suffer from the disease; veterans are also at a
higher risk for suicide; and
WHEREAS, Those suffering from mental illnesses continue to
face social stigma and are often subject to bullying,
discrimination, and lack of understanding; individuals with
mental disorders are more likely to be victims than perpetrators
of violence; and
WHEREAS, Medical science has made exceptional strides in
diagnosing and treating mental disorders; there is a growing
realization that most mental illnesses have a biological basis
and that sophisticated medicines can end the suffering of most
patients so that they can return to productive and rewarding
lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, hereby commend all those who are working to prevent
and treat mental illnesses and extend to them best wishes for a
successful and memorable Mental Illness Awareness Day at the
Capitol; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special occasion.
Huffman
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 27, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate