TO RECOGNIZE MAY 2019 AS "MENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN ORDER TO RAISE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND THE NEED FOR APPROPRIATE AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly call upon all citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in South Carolina to advance our State's understanding and acceptance of mental illnesses; and

Whereas, mental health is critical to the well-being and vitality of our families, businesses, and communities; and

Whereas, mental illness affects individuals regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health observes Mental Health Month each year in May to raise awareness about mental health, mental illness, and discrimination against those with mental illnesses; and

Whereas, the General Assembly commends the South Carolina Department of Mental Health for its fine work in the difficult task of educating the public about the often misunderstood issue of mental illness. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize May 2019 as "Mental Health Month" in South Carolina in order to raise community awareness and understanding of mental illness and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all individuals with mental illness.