SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 554
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join Mental Health America of Texas and citizens from across the
state in honoring the Mental Health Bell, which will be on
display at the State Capitol on March 27, 2013; and
WHEREAS, In the early days of mental health treatment,
asylum patients were often restrained with iron chains and
shackles around their ankles and wrists; as the true nature of
mental illnesses became better understood, and more effective
treatments were discovered, this cruel and inhumane practice
mercifully came to an end; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1950s, Mental Health America issued a
call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and
shackles; these restraints were then melted down by the
organization at the McShane Bell Foundry and recast into a symbol
of hope, the Mental Health Bell; and
WHEREAS, The recasting of these chains and shackles into a
bell reflected a sense of optimism in the field of mental health,
the recognition of a new era in the treatment of mental illness,
and the realization that mental health patients can be
contributing members of society; it is truly fitting that the
Mental Health Bell be celebrated as a tribute to the courage and
strength of those facing mental illnesses and as a symbol of hope
and progress in the field of mental health treatment; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, hereby join Mental Health America of Texas in
recognizing the Mental Health Bell and commend the efforts of all
who have worked to improve the mental health system; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special occasion.
Zaffirini
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 27, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate