Recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.

89(R) SR 468 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 468

WHEREAS, Mental health is essential to the overall health

and well-being of every individual, and the observance of

National Mental Health Awareness Month in May provides an

opportunity to highlight the need for greater empathy and support

for Texans experiencing mental health issues; and

WHEREAS, According to the National Alliance on Mental

Illness, approximately one in every five Americans, including

more than 4.7 million adults in Texas, lives with a mental

illness; these conditions affect people of all ages, races,

ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and though they are

common and treatable, the stigma associated with them can be an

obstacle to treatment, recovery, and social acceptance; and

WHEREAS, Cost is another hurdle to receiving effective

treatment, and over one million Texans report being unable to

access the care that they need for a serious mental illness; in

addition, there is a significant demand for crisis support in

Texas, as evidenced by the more than 177,000 calls made to

suicide and crisis line call centers in 2023, underscoring the

need for sustained investment in accessible mental health

services; and

WHEREAS, Mental illnesses often begin early in life, with

around half of cases developing by age 14; every year, close to

half a million adolescents in Texas experience a major depressive

episode, and more than 300,000 have thoughts of suicide; over

18 percent of youth in our state have endured multiple adverse

childhood experiences, which increase the risk of mental

illnesses and substance use disorders in adulthood; despite the

urgent need for mental health care among young people, the

average public school in Texas provides just one school

psychologist for every 2,300 students, a ratio that falls short

of the recommendation of one per 500 students; and

WHEREAS, Promoting awareness and understanding of mental

health needs can help ensure that individuals receive the support

and treatment necessary to lead healthy, productive lives; for

our mental health care system to be effective, it must emphasize

early intervention, prevention, education, and access to quality

behavioral health services; and

WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a means of

educating the public about this critical issue and celebrating

the progress made by those living with mental health conditions,

and it is fitting to acknowledge the vital work being done by

community organizations, peer advocates, families,

professionals, and policymakers across the state to advance

these worthy goals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

Legislature, hereby recognize May 2025 as Mental Health

Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to join in supporting

mental health services, education, and outreach in their

communities.

Sparks

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on May 1, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate