Press Releases

Congressional Mental Health Caucus Co-Chairs, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-31), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), and Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06) introduced with 36 of their colleagues H.Res. 1206, a bipartisan resolution to recognize May 2024 as National Mental Health Awareness Month.

“May Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to come together to break through the stigma, express compassion for those who struggle with mental health issues, and draw attention to the proven methods that can help change their lives for the better,” Napolitano said. “We must all do our part in spreading hope, reducing stigma, and a sending a clear message that it is always okay to ask for help. This month and every month, I encourage all to get involved, educate themselves, and share resources with friends, colleagues, and family. I thank my wonderful co-chairs, Congressman Beyer and Congresswoman Salinas, and all of our colleagues for supporting this resolution to elevate the issue of mental health in the halls of Congress and across our districts.”

“Mental health is an issue that touches most families. Tens of millions of Americans report symptoms of anxiety or depression, and suicide is one of the top causes of death in the U.S,” said Rep. Beyer. “Recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month has long helped to put a spotlight on this topic, to help people realize they are not alone, and to bring together those of us who seek solutions. I will continue working with colleagues in both parties to do all I can to improve mental health in this country.”

“Mental health challenges are at an all-time high and can be devastating for individuals, families, and communities. Several members of my own family have struggled with their mental health, so I know from personal experience how important it is to fight back against stigma and expand access to care,” said Rep. Salinas. “That is why I am proud to introduce this resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month, along with my fellow Co-Chairs in the Mental Health Caucus. Together, we will continue working to enact bipartisan solutions that will help make care more accessible and affordable and finally put an end to the mental health crisis in America.”

The Co-Chairs were joined in introducing the resolution by: Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02); Becca Balint (D-VT); Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44); Julia Brownley (D-CA-26); Tony Cárdenas (D-CA-29); Kathy Castor (D-FL-14); Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20); Judy Chu (D-CA-28); Jim Costa (D-CA-21); Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04); Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18); Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01); Robin L. Kelly (D-IL-02); Andy Kim (D-NJ-03); Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08); Doris O. Matsui (D-CA-07); Betty McCollum (D-MN-04); Gwen Moore (D-WI-04); Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23); Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01); Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC); Scott Peters (D-CA-50); Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07); Katie Porter (D-CA-47); Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03); Susie Lee (D-NV-03); Gregori Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP); Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-07); Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11); Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM-01); Jill N. Tokuda (D-HI-02); Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20); Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15); Lori Trahan (D-MA-03); David Trone (D-MD-06); and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).

Since 1949, May has been observed as National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when advocates and activists across the country draw attention to the mental health issues that affect as many as one in four Americans. Today, more people die from suicide in the United States than from traffic accidents or homicides, and we lose 17-18 veterans to suicide daily.

Unfortunately, because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the help they need for themselves or their loved ones. National Mental Health Awareness Month is a time when we work together to break through that stigma. We express compassion for those who struggle with mental health issues, and we draw attention to the proven methods that can help change their lives for the better.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.