SENATE RESOLUTION

8642

BySenator Cleveland

WHEREAS, Mental Health America states that one in five Americans struggle with a diagnosable mental health condition; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound negative effect on the mental health of the nation; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the pandemic, communities have suffered with various increases in behavioral health concerns like anxiety, depression, and loneliness; and

WHEREAS, During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained people who had mental illness with iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1950s, Mental Health America issued a call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and shackles; and

WHEREAS, On April 13, 1953, Mental Health America melted down these inhumane bindings and recast them into a sign of hope: the Mental Health Bell;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate acknowledge that mental and behavioral health are genuine health concerns impacting our communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate remain committed to aiding and supporting those with mental health struggles, as well as their families; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate lift up and celebrate all community-based behavioral health service organizations throughout our state that have worked so hard to help others, especially in this pandemic; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate acknowledge that the Bell of Hope serves as a powerful reminder that the invisible chains of misunderstanding and discrimination continue to bind people with mental illness; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate continue to lead toward improving mental health access and understanding; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Department of Health, the Governor of the State of Washington, and the President of the United States.