IV 

111TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 160 

Honoring Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental 

Health Association) on the 100th anniversary of its founding and for 

a century of significant contributions. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

FEBRUARY 11, 2009 

Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, Mrs. BONO MACK, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Ms. 

BORDALLO, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. HONDA, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mrs. 

NAPOLITANO, Mr. BACA, Mr. WEXLER, and Mr. STARK) submitted the 

following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 

Commerce 

RESOLUTION 

Honoring Mental Health America (formerly known as the 

National Mental Health Association) on the 100th anniversary of its founding and for a century of significant 

contributions. 

Whereas Mental Health America, the Nation’s oldest and 

leading nonprofit dedicated to mentally healthier lives, 

and its over 300 affiliates nationwide over the last 100 

years have achieved lasting change and progress on behalf of individuals with mental conditions and their families; 


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•HRES 160 IH 

Whereas in 1909, Clifford W. Beers, a young businessman 

who experienced firsthand the treatment of individuals 

with mental illness, founded Mental Health America; 

Whereas in 1930, Mental Health America convened the First 

International Congress on Mental Hygiene in Washington, DC; 

Whereas in 1946, Mental Health America advocated for passage of the National Mental Health Act, which created 

the National Institute of Mental Health; 

Whereas in 1953, Mental Health America commissioned the 

casting of the Mental Health Bell from chains and shackles that restrained people with mental illnesses in decades 

past; 

Whereas in 1963, Mental Health America supported passage 

of the Community Mental Health Centers Act, which 

called for deinstitutionalization and increased community 

services; 

Whereas in 1966, Mental Health America advocated for inclusion of mandated mental illness services in Medicare; 

Whereas in 1974, Mental Health America successfully demanded that a ‘‘Have you ever been mentally Ill?’’ question be removed from Federal Government employment 

forms; 

Whereas in 1987, Mental Health America organized the National Action Commission on the Mental Health of Rural 

Americans regarding the delivery of mental health services to citizens living in rural areas; 

Whereas in 1994, Mental Health America, in conjunction 

with the Congressional Black Caucus and the National 

Institute of Mental Health, organized the first comVerDate Nov 24 2008 02:11 Feb 13, 2009 Jkt 079200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR160.IH HR160

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•HRES 160 IH 

prehensive conference on The State of Mental Health and 

Mental Illness in Black America; 

Whereas in 2008, Mental Health America, along with a coalition of mental health and other advocates, succeeded in 

having the Mental Health Parity Act signed into law; 

Whereas Mental Health America recognizes mental health as 

a public health, academic, and social justice issue; 

Whereas Mental Health America supports individuals who 

have experienced and are seeking recovery from mental 

health problems or addictions and represents a growing 

movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for 

the health and well-being of the Nation; and 

Whereas in 2009, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, 

Mental Health America has renewed its commitment to 

continue its vital work into a new century to end discrimination against persons with mental illnesses, integrate mental health with overall health and health care 

reform, increase research into the causes and cures of 

mental illnesses, and expand access to effective, highquality treatment, prevention, and early intervention 

services: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors 

2 Mental Health America on its 100th anniversary year as 

3 its volunteer board of professionals and affiliate field and 

4 dedicated staff continue their noble work to support the 

5 millions of individuals living with, or at risk of, mental 

6 health and substance use problems, and their families. 

Æ 


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