Rep. Cavanagh offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 110.

            A resolution to declare May 2013 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, An estimated 54 million American suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year; and

            Whereas, A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life's ordinary demands and routines; and

            Whereas, Mental illness can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income; and

            Whereas, The U.S. Surgeon General reports that 10 percent of children and adolescents in the United States suffer from serious emotional and mental impairments that cause significant functional impairment in their day-to-day lives at home, in school, and with peers; and

            Whereas, Approximately 348,000 adults and 112,000 children in Michigan live with serious mental health conditions; and

            Whereas, New opportunities have been created through collaborative efforts of family members, professionals, and all levels of government to bring about significant changes in the public perception of young people and adults suffering from mental illness, opening new doors to independent and productive lives; and

            Whereas, Mental Health Awareness Month is observed throughout May in the United States.  It educates communities about disorders and reducing the stigma that surrounds it.  Good mental health is essential to 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 May 2013 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.