DE HCR126

Recognizes May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Delaware.

Cites that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness annually with less than half receiving treatment, and that suicide is the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 10-34.

Notes that 50% of lifelong mental illness cases begin by age 14, and that 37% of incarcerated adults and 70.4% of youth in the juvenile justice system have diagnosed mental illness.

References prior legislation (HB 100 and HB 300) that funded mental health professionals in elementary and middle schools, and pending HB 200 to extend services to high schools.

Calls upon citizens, government agencies, and others to raise mental health awareness and help Delawareans achieve longer, healthier, more productive lives.