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H8585
2026 -- H 8585
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LC006030
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
RECOGNIZING MAY OF 2026 AS "MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Tanzi, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Kennedy,
Diaz, Ajello, Santucci, Shallcross Smith, and Cortvriend
Date Introduced:
May 26, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being;
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it affects how we think, feel, and act; it also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and
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make choices; and
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WHEREAS, Mental health allows us to maintain relationships, take care of ourselves and
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our families, take care of our physical bodies, and respond and adapt to daily life changes; and
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WHEREAS, Nearly 20 percent of children and young people ages 3-17 in the United
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States have a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder; and
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WHEREAS, According to Mental Health America (MHA), approximately 20 percent of
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teenagers reported having at least one major depressive episode in the last year; and
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WHEREAS, In 2024, The United States suicide rate reached a record high, rising to 14.7
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deaths per 100,000 individuals, a 30 percent increase over the past two decades; and
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WHEREAS, Suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst people aged 10 – 34
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and the 11th leading cause of death in the United States; and
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WHEREAS, A lack of mental health awareness leads to devastating impacts on the well-
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being of individuals and society; and
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WHEREAS, Evidence-based mental and behavioral health training teaches adults how to
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recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in youth and adults,
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and provides skills to use a 5-step action plan to help someone who may be facing a mental health
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challenge or crisis, such as suicide; and
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WHEREAS, Teen Mental Health First Aid trainings are proven to reduce stigma and
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teach teens how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use
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challenges among their friends and peers; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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recognizes May of 2026 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island. We
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moreover call upon citizens, organizations, health care providers, municipalities and schools to
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raise mental health awareness, provide age-appropriate mental health education and training, and
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continue helping Rhode Island citizens live longer, healthier lives; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Department of
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Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals.
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LC006030
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