Expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 441
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-02T20:19:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 441) expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month." It aims to raise public awareness about the ongoing mental health crisis in the United States, reduce stigma around mental illness, and emphasize the importance of mental health recovery, access to services, and funding.
Key Provisions
The resolution is structured around extensive background "Whereas" clauses citing statistics and surveys on mental health challenges, followed by a "Resolved" section with six main points:
- Supports the designation of May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month to eliminate stigma and highlight scientific evidence on mental health recovery.
- Declares mental health a national priority.
- Advocates for increased funding to expand mental health services.
- Affirms that mental well-being is as vital as physical health for individuals, communities, schools, businesses, and the economy.
- Praises the collaborative efforts of national, state, local, medical, and faith-based organizations in raising awareness and providing support to those affected by mental illness.
- Urges individuals, communities, and organizations to use the month to promote mental well-being, improve access to care and insurance coverage, and enhance quality of life for those with mental health conditions.
The background highlights issues like rising mental illness rates (e.g., from 51.4 million adults in 2019 to 58.7 million in 2023), impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media's role in youth mental health, disparities in care for communities of color and LGBTQ+ youth, suicide trends, and specific vulnerabilities among children, veterans, and adolescents.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional intent rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Could foster greater public awareness, encourage help-seeking behavior, and reduce stigma, potentially leading to better mental health outcomes for individuals, families, and youth. It highlights barriers like cost and access, which might indirectly prompt more people to seek care.
- On government agencies: May influence federal agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize mental health in budgeting and programs, though it does not mandate action.
- On schools and communities: Encourages early intervention in schools and community support, potentially improving resources for children and adolescents facing issues like adverse childhood experiences or social media-related harms.
- International relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. mental health issues.
Overall, the impacts are primarily educational and advocacy-oriented, promoting voluntary actions rather than creating new obligations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and families: Especially those with mental illnesses, including adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts; children and youth affected by stress, social media, or adverse experiences; and LGBTQ+ youth facing higher rates of hopelessness and suicide attempts.
- Marginalized communities: People of color (e.g., Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) who face disparities in accessing care.
- Veterans: Highlighted for their elevated suicide risks and need for targeted support.
- Healthcare providers and organizations: Mental health professionals, schools, and groups like SAMHSA, CDC, American Psychological Association, and faith-based entities involved in awareness and service delivery.
- Broader society: Businesses, schools, and the economy, as mental health is linked to productivity and community well-being.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as this is a simple resolution without the force of law. It does not infringe on rights or require judicial review.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support, with over 40 cosponsors from both parties, signaling broad congressional consensus on mental health as a priority. It could build momentum for future funding bills or policies, such as those addressing suicide prevention or youth care, without creating controversy or division.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (47)
Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-05-21: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-21: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month". — issued 2025-05-21 — PDF (8 pages)