Supporting the designation of May 10, 2025, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 407
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-18T14:27:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 407) aims to express congressional support for designating May 10, 2025, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day." It highlights the mental health challenges faced by the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and promotes awareness, better access to services, and culturally sensitive care during National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a preamble outlining background facts and then resolves the following:
- Supports the designation of May 10, 2025, as National AANHPI Mental Health Day.
- Recognizes mental health as essential to the well-being of families and communities.
- Acknowledges the need to raise awareness about mental health issues and improve care quality for AANHPI communities.
- Emphasizes that celebrating cultural and linguistic heritage benefits mental health.
- Encourages federal, state, and local health agencies to create laws, policies, and guidance to increase help-seeking for mental health services among AANHPI and other communities of color.
The preamble notes key facts, such as:
- The AANHPI population's rapid growth and diverse contributions to U.S. society.
- Low utilization of mental health services (e.g., 65.3% of those needing treatment do not receive it).
- Suicide as the leading cause of death for AANHPI youth aged 10-24 from 2018-2023.
- The importance of disaggregated data (breaking down statistics by subgroup) for tailored solutions.
- Barriers like language access, historical discrimination, racial violence, and provider shortages.
- The need for more AANHPI providers and training to reduce stigma.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: May increase public awareness of AANHPI mental health issues, reduce stigma, and encourage more people from these communities to seek help, potentially improving mental health outcomes.
- On government agencies: Encourages federal, state, and local health agencies to develop supportive policies, which could lead to better resource allocation, data collection, and training for culturally appropriate services, though implementation is voluntary.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic U.S. populations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- AANHPI communities: Primary beneficiaries, including diverse subgroups facing mental health disparities, youth at risk of suicide, and those affected by language or cultural barriers.
- Mental health providers and paraprofessionals: Impacted by calls for increased representation, training, and support to serve AANHPI populations.
- Government health agencies: Federal (e.g., Department of Health and Human Services), state, and local entities encouraged to adopt policies for better access.
- Advocacy groups and communities of color: Broader implications for reducing stigma and improving equity in mental health care.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and does not require presidential approval or Senate concurrence; it is referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration but primarily expresses the House's position.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in raising awareness on public health issues under its general welfare powers (Article I, Section 8), without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) for equity in mental health, potentially influencing future funding or legislation on health disparities; it underscores the political importance of recognizing minority contributions and challenges during heritage months.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (27)
Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-05-13: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-13: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of May 10, 2025, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day". — issued 2025-05-13 — PDF (4 pages)