III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 709 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Mr. Luján submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month .

Whereas millions of people in the United States face mental health challenges and have unmet mental health needs; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health disorders are chronic conditions, and, without proper diagnosis and treatment, children can face problems at home and in school, which can interfere with the future development of those children; Whereas more resources should be dedicated in schools to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of mental health disorders in children; Whereas childhood depression is more likely to persist into adulthood if it is left untreated; Whereas it is important that the United States provides the necessary funding and resources to reach children and youth early on in life; Whereas the COVID–19 pandemic accelerated the use of digital technologies, such as social media; Whereas there has been a great concern about the impact of social media on the mental health of children and youth; Whereas social media exposes children to bullying, depression, anxiety, and self-harm; Whereas there is a strong need to further understand and deter any negative impact of social media on children and youth; Whereas disparities remain in access to mental health treatment for communities of color, with Asian, Native American, Hispanic, and Black individuals less likely to receive mental health care than their counterparts; Whereas suicide is a significant public health issue that can have an enduring impact on individuals and their communities; Whereas additional resources should be dedicated to the prevention of suicide in the United States; Whereas veterans are more likely to experience mental health challenges than civilians; Whereas it is important that the United States provides additional funding and resources to support veterans with mental health needs; and Whereas it would be appropriate to observe May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month : Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1) supports the designation of May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month to remove the stigma associated with mental illness and place emphasis on scientific findings regarding mental health recovery; (2) declares mental health a national priority; (3) supports increasing access to mental health services; (4) recognizes that mental well-being is equally as important as physical well-being for the citizens, communities, schools, businesses, and economy of the United States; (5) applauds the coalescing of national, State, local, medical, and faith-based organizations in— (A) working to promote public awareness of mental health; and (B) providing critical information and support to individuals and families affected by mental illness; and (6) encourages all individuals to draw on Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness, ensure access to appropriate coverage and services, and support overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.