H.R. No. 893
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Mental health is essential to the overall health and
well-being of every individual, and the observance of National
Mental Health Awareness Month in May provides an opportunity to
highlight the need for greater empathy and support for Texans
experiencing mental health issues; and
WHEREAS, According to the National Alliance on Mental
Illness, approximately one in every five Americans, including more
than 4.7 million adults in Texas, lives with a mental illness; these
conditions affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and
socioeconomic backgrounds, and though they are common and
treatable, the stigma associated with them can be an obstacle to
treatment, recovery, and social acceptance; and
WHEREAS, Cost is another hurdle to receiving effective
treatment, and over one million Texans report being unable to
access the care that they need for a serious mental illness; in
addition, there is a significant demand for crisis support in
Texas, as evidenced by the more than 177,000 calls made to suicide
and crisis line call centers in 2023, underscoring the need for
sustained investment in accessible mental health services; and
WHEREAS, Mental illnesses often begin early in life, with
around half of cases developing by age 14; every year, close to half
a million adolescents in Texas experience a major depressive
episode, and more than 300,000 have thoughts of suicide; over 18
percent of youth in our state have endured multiple adverse
childhood experiences, which increase the risk of mental illnesses
and substance use disorders in adulthood; despite the urgent need
for mental health care among young people, the average public
school in Texas provides just one school psychologist for every
2,300 students, a ratio that falls short of the recommendation of
one per 500 students; and
WHEREAS, Promoting awareness and understanding of mental
health needs can help ensure that individuals receive the support
and treatment necessary to lead healthy, productive lives; for our
mental health care system to be effective, it must emphasize early
intervention, prevention, education, and access to quality
behavioral health services; and
WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a means of
educating the public about this critical issue and celebrating the
progress made by those living with mental health conditions, and it
is fitting to acknowledge the vital work being done by community
organizations, peer advocates, families, professionals, and
policymakers across the state to advance these worthy goals; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness
Month and encourage all Texans to join in supporting mental health
services, education, and outreach in their communities.
Hinojosa
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 893 was adopted by the House on May 1,
2025, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House