Reps. Lyons, Brown, Darany, Durhal, Geiss, Heise, Howrylak, Segal, Slavens, Talabi, Crawford, Denby, Kelly, O'Brien, Poleski and Stanley offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 99.

A resolution to declare May 2013 as Children's Mental Health Month in the state of

Michigan. 

Whereas, Mental health is critical for the well-being and vitality of children, adults, families, communities, and businesses; and

Whereas, Up to 14 percent of children between birth and five years old experience social-emotional problems that negatively impact their functioning, development and school readiness; nd

Whereas, Fifty percent of those youths suffering a mental illness drop out of high school, thereby experiencing reduced potential for education, employment, and income; and

Whereas, Seventy percent of youth in state and local juvenile justice systems have a mental illness; and

Whereas, Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth and 90 percent of those youth suffer from mental illness; and

Whereas, Learning to recognize the early warning signs of mental health problems and where to obtain necessary assistance and treatment gives children, youth, and adults better opportunities to lead full and productive lives; and

Whereas, Children, youth, and adults with mental health illnesses should, whenever possible, remain in a familiar environment and have access to coordinated, individualized, and home and community based services; and

Whereas, Mental health treatment works and investment in these services and supports is fundamental in the future of our youth, adults, and families; and

Whereas, All children, youth, and adults who experience brain disorders should have access to quality treatment; and

Whereas, The need for comprehensive, coordinated mental health services for children, youth, adults, and families is a critical responsibility of all local Michigan communities; and

Whereas, Our nation’s future depends on the health and well-being of its families and children; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2013 as Children's Mental Health Month in the state of Michigan. We support the proactive leadership of the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Association for Children’s Mental Health, Michigan health care providers, quality improvement partners, and consumer advocates in the delivery of effective mental health services in Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of

Community Health and the Association for Children’s Mental Health as a token of our highest esteem.