Rep. Darany offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 235.

            A resolution to declare October 6-13, 2013, as Mental Illness Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week to increase public awareness of mental illness and to promote treatment and recovery; and

            Whereas, It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans, including 348,000 adults in Michigan, suffer from some form of mental illness in a given year; and

            Whereas, Mental illness may cause disturbances in thought and behavior that impacts daily routines; and

            Whereas, Serious mental illness such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorders impact one in every four people annually; and

            Whereas, An individual's age, race, religion, or income plays no factor in whether one suffers from mental illness or not; and

            Whereas, Serious mental illness is a highly treatable medical illness of the brain posing the same concern as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses; and

            Whereas, Scientific research is constantly working toward breakthroughs in the understanding of mental illness, resulting in more effective treatments to allow people to reclaim full and productive lives; and

            Whereas, Misunderstandings exist about mental illness and social culture often wrongly imposes a stigma on mental illness; and

            Whereas, Every citizen and community can make a difference in helping to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by mental illness; and

            Whereas, According to the U.S. Surgeon General, 10 percent of children and adolescents in the U.S. suffer from serious emotional and mental impairments; and

            Whereas, Approximately 112,000 children in Michigan live with serious mental health conditions causing major functional impairment in their daily lives whether it be at home, school, or with peers; and

            Whereas, Young people and adults suffering from mental illness now have new opportunities to live independent and productive lives thanks to the collaborative efforts of family members, professionals, and all levels of government who have worked to bring about significant change to the public perception on mental illness; and

            Whereas, Mental health advocates across the country have joined together to sponsor activities, large or small, for public education about mental illness; and

            Whereas, Mental Illness Awareness Week helps educate communities about mental health disorders and reduces the stigma that surrounds it. The importance of having good mental health cannot be overstated as it positively impacts overall health and personal well-being and also contributes to the ability to lead a healthy, balanced, and productive life; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 6-13, 2013, as Mental Illness Awareness Week in the state of Michigan. We urge increased public awareness of mental illness to promote treatment and recovery.