Texas House Bill HCR31

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Designating May 5 as Teen Mental Health Awareness Day for a 10-year period beginning in 2021.

Impact

The establishment of Teen Mental Health Awareness Day aims to elevate public discussions around adolescent mental health, encouraging community and governmental engagement to improve access to mental health care for youth. The resolution recognizes the profound implications of mental health disorders, which can lead to severe outcomes like suicide, noted as the third leading cause of death among teenagers aged 15 to 19. By raising awareness, HCR31 seeks to foster a more supportive environment for adolescents struggling with mental health issues and their families.

Summary

HCR31 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Texas Legislature designating May 5 as Teen Mental Health Awareness Day. The resolution aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of mental health issues affecting adolescents, particularly as statistics indicate that approximately 20% of U.S. children suffer from diagnosable mental health disorders. HCR31 highlights the critical need for increased awareness and resources to combat mental health challenges faced by young Texans, many of whom lack access to effective treatment and support.

Contention

While the resolution is largely seen as a positive step towards addressing the mental health crisis among adolescents, some advocates may argue about the adequacy of the efforts to accompany this awareness with actionable changes in mental health services. For meaningful progress, it is essential that the designation of Teen Mental Health Awareness Day is not merely symbolic but is followed by initiatives that enhance treatment accessibility and central oversight of mental health care coordination for young people. Stakeholders may also highlight the need for ongoing legislative support to secure funding and resources necessary for expanding mental health services in schools and communities.