RESOLUTION NO. 230460
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Sponsor: Councilmember Heather Hall
RESOLUTION - Declaring May as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in Kansas City, Missouri.
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WHEREAS, recognizing May as “Mental Health Awareness Month,” the Proactive Mental “Health Awareness Proclamation” was created to raise the visibility of mental health education and resources in our community. We also want to help start the conversation, destigmatize it, and help connect people with the proper support services; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (A.F.S.P.) there are 130 deaths by suicide per day. Out of the people surveyed 55% said they are embarrassed and didn’t know where to get help; and
WHEREAS, 2 in 3 people surveyed by the A.F.S.P. said that COVID has made them more empathic. It has also made half of the individuals more open to talking about their mental health. Overall, 81% of those surveyed said that now is the most critical time to have these conversations to make suicide prevention a priority; and
WHEREAS, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. Individuals can call 988 to connect with a local crisis center that provides free support for those in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours, 7 days a week; and
WHEREAS, Hope for the Day is a non-profit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education. Since its founding in 2011, H.F.T.D. has gained a foothold in all 50 states and 26 countries and helps people in 17 different languages; and
WHEREAS, since its founding in 2017, Caregivers on the Homefront serves families who are caring for the warriors of all military eras and first responders who have been inflicted with the invisible and/or physical wounds of the wars abroad or at home; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby declare May as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in Kansas City, Missouri; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Shawn Moore, from Caregivers on the Homefront, with the Mayor and Council encouraging all citizens of Kansas City to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month and to spread positivity throughout Kansas City.
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