2017 Assembly Joint Resolution 75
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: designating the first week in October as Mental Illness Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
Whereas, mental health is part of overall health; and
Whereas, one in five adults experience a mental health problem in any given year; and
Whereas, approximately one-half of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14 and three-quarters begins by age 24; and
Whereas, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among young adults, and 90 percent of people who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness; and
Whereas, long delays, sometimes decades, can occur between the time symptoms of mental illness first appear and when an individual gets help; and
Whereas, early identification and treatment can make a difference in the successful management of mental illness and recovery; and
Whereas, it is important to maintain mental health and learn the symptoms of mental illness in order to get help when it is needed; and
Whereas, every citizen and community can make a difference in helping end the silence and stigma that, for too long, has surrounded mental illness and discouraged people from getting help; and
Whereas, public education and civic activities can encourage mental health and help improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness; and
Whereas, in observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week, the legislature encourages citizens, businesses, schools, and community organizations to learn more about eliminating the stigma of mental illness; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin Legislature designates October 1 through October 7, 2017, as Mental Illness Awareness Week in Wisconsin to shine a light on mental illness, fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for equal care.
