Mental Health Caucus Co-Chairs Napolitano & Katko Recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month with Bipartisan Resolution

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressional Mental Health Caucus Co-Chairs, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32) and Rep. John Katko (R-NY-24), introduced with 36 of their colleagues a bipartisan resolution to recognize May as National Mental Health Awareness Month.

"Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to continue our work to increase funding for life-saving mental health services, raise public awareness, and encourage those in need to seek help," Napolitano said. "The topic of mental health in Congress is building momentum to spur action to expand services during the pandemic and beyond, something I have proudly worked to do for years. Now, the media is even beginning to recognize we have got to reduce stigma and doing their part to elevate the issue. As we build upon these strides, we will continue to educate our fellow Members of Congress, their staff, and our constituents on mental health related issues, sending a clear message that it is always okay to ask for help. I thank my co-chair, Congressman Katko, and all of our colleagues for supporting this resolution to bring greater visibility to the issue of mental health."

"I'm proud to join Congresswoman Napolitano in recognizing the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month," said Rep. Katko."The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already severe mental health crisis in this country. By raising awareness, we can end the stigma associated with mental health disorders and encourage those who need help to seek it out. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, it is my honor to continue working with Congresswoman Napolitano on this important issue."

Napolitano and Katko were joined in introducing the resolution by: Reps. Cindy Axne (D-IA-3); Don Bacon (R-NE-2); Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44); Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D-VA-8); Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1); Shontel M. Brown (D-OH-11); André Carson (D-IN-7); Judy Chu (D-CA-27); Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-5); Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11); J. Luis Correa (D-CA-46); Angie Craig (D-MN-2); Danny K. Davis (D-IL-7); Diana DeGette (D-CO-1); Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-11); Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13); Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1); Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-3); Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30); Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9); Derek Kilmer (D-WA-6); Alan Lowenthal (D-CA-47); Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA-8); Doris Matsui (D-CA-6); Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY-12); Seth Moulton (D-MA-6); Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ-1); Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20); Susie Lee (D-NV-3); Jamie Raskin (D-MD-8); Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20); Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15); David Trone (D-MD-6); Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12); Nikema Williams (D-GA-5); and Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24).

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.

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