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H8607
2026 -- H 8607
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LC006534
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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
CELEBRATING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2026 AS "MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN
THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Hopkins, Roberts, Santucci, Noret, Read, Azzinaro,
Paplauskas, Casey, Bennett, and J. Brien
Date Introduced:
June 02, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and raising
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awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by men is essential to reducing
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stigma, encouraging help-seeking behaviors, and preventing tragic outcomes such as suicide; and
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WHEREAS, June is recognized nationally as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month
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(often aligned with Men’s Health Month), providing an important opportunity to highlight the
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need for open conversations, accessible resources, and community support for men’s mental
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health across Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and
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the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men in the United States experience
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disproportionately high rates of suicide despite lower reported rates of certain mental health
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conditions like depression compared to women; and
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WHEREAS, In 2023, the age-adjusted suicide rate among males was 22.8 per 100,000—
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nearly four times higher than the rate among females (5.9 per 100,000)—and males accounted for
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nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the United States, even though they represent about 50% of
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the population; and
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WHEREAS, CDC and NIMH data further indicate that many men who die by suicide do
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not have a known prior mental health diagnosis, highlighting barriers such as stigma, societal
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expectations of stoicism, and lower rates of seeking professional help; and
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WHEREAS, These national trends underscore the urgent need in Rhode Island to
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promote mental health literacy among men, support early intervention, expand access to
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culturally appropriate care, and foster environments (in workplaces, families, communities, and
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faith-based settings) where men feel safe discussing their mental health; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island General Assembly recognizes that addressing men’s
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mental health strengthens families, workplaces, and communities throughout the state, and that
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public awareness campaigns during the month of June can play a vital role in saving lives; now,
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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 and celebrates the month of June 2026 as "Men's Mental Health Month" in Rhode
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Island; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island encourages
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all residents, community organizations, healthcare providers, employers, and state agencies to
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promote awareness of men’s mental health issues, reduce stigma, and support resources for
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prevention, treatment, and recovery; 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 duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Department of Health, the
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Rhode Island Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), and
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appropriate advocacy organizations dedicated to men’s mental health.
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LC006534
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