Reps. Salinas, Bacon, Beyer, Lead Bipartisan Resolution to Designate May as Mental Health Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Don Beyer (VA-08),- Co-Chairs of the Congressional Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus - led 35 of their colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate May as National Mental Health Awareness Month.

One in four Americans lives with a mental health condition. More people die by suicide in the United States each year than in traffic accidents or homicides. And yet stigma still keeps millions from asking for help. This resolution makes clear that mental health matters, and so does making care accessible and affordable.

"Mental health struggles impact millions of people across the U.S. I've witnessed this struggle firsthand in my own family, and I've seen the positive results when we lower the stigma around mental health," said Rep. Salinas. "Ensuring people are comfortable discussing their mental health and that they're open to reaching out for help can be lifesaving. Why wouldn't we do everything we can to help people who are struggling? That's why I'm proud to introduce this resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Raising awareness and lowering stigma is just the first step. Alongside my fellow Co-Chairs in the Mental Health Caucus, we'll continue working to enact bipartisan solutions that will help make care more accessible and affordable so we can finally put an end to the mental health crisis in America."

"As someone whose family has been impacted by mental health, I know we have a real need for increased access to care, improved infrastructure and reduced stigma surrounding mental illness," said Rep. Bacon."By recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, hopefully we can highlight the need to invest in mental health care and ensure access to treatment for those experiencing mental health crises."

"Mental health is an issue that touches most families. Tens of millions of Americans report symptoms of anxiety or depression, and suicide is one of the top causes of death in the U.S," said Rep. Beyer. "Recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month has long helped to put a spotlight on this topic, to help people realize they are not alone, and to bring together those of us who seek solutions. I will continue working with colleagues in both parties to do all I can to improve mental health in this country."

Endorsing Organizations

The resolution is endorsed by the following organizations: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), American Psychiatric Association, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Children's Hospital Association, The Clinical Social Work Association, Mental Health America (MHA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, National Association for Rural Mental Health, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), National Council for Mental Wellbeing, The National Board of Certified Counselors, Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT).

Since 1949, May has been observed as National Mental Health Awareness Month - a time when advocates across the country draw attention to the mental health challenges affecting tens of millions of Americans. Today, at least 17 veterans die by suicide every day. The stigma surrounding mental illness still prevents many people from seeking the help they need. National Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to break through that stigma, connect people to resources, and build the political will for lasting solutions.

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