Us Congress Senate Bill SR681

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/24
• Refer: 5/9/24

Caption

A resolution supporting the designation of May 10, 2024, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day".

Impact

The bill aims to encourage federal, state, and local health agencies to develop policies and initiatives that can elevate mental health service accessibility for AANHPI communities. The resolution underscores the need for culturally and linguistically tailored solutions to mental health issues, emphasizing both the availability of services and the training of providers to meet the unique needs of this diverse demographic. The resolution also connects the significance of cultural heritage with mental health, arguing that acknowledging and celebrating linguistic and cultural identity can positively influence mental wellness.

Summary

Senate Resolution 681 proposes the designation of May 10, 2024, as 'National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day'. This resolution seeks to not only highlight the importance of mental health within these communities but also to promote awareness about mental health issues that disproportionately affect Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). A significant percentage of this population meets the criteria for mental health issues yet remains untreated, with 63.7% not receiving necessary care. The resolution notes alarming statistics indicating mental health crisis within the AANHPI youth demographic, where suicide has emerged as a leading cause of death among young individuals aged 10 to 24 years.

Contention

Although the resolution carries a historical weight in promoting mental health awareness for underrepresented communities, potential points of contention could arise regarding the allocation of resources to implement the proposed changes. There may also be skepticism about whether state and local agencies have the capacity and commitment to enact the necessary changes, given historical disparities in access to mental health services among AANHPI populations. Continuous advocacy and monitoring would be essential to ensure that the objectives of the resolution are met effectively.