2021 -- H 6369

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LC002728

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 25, 2021, TO BE "STOP THE STIGMA DAY" IN THE STATE OF

RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Speakman, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Casimiro, Alzate,
Potter, Hull, Knight, Carson, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: May 27, 2021

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Every day, millions of people face stigma related to mental illness, causing

many to face their mental health challenges for years without help: and

     WHEREAS, Half of the population will experience some type of mental health challenge

over the course of a lifetime; and

     WHEREAS, In a study by Gomo Health, it was found that nearly 90 percent of people

with mental health problems say that stigma and discrimination have a negative effect on their

lives; and

     WHEREAS, Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in America,

with over 40 million people suffering from it; and

     WHEREAS, Negative stigma can affect people with mental health in many ways

including, decreased feelings of self-worth and self-esteem, delays in seeking or receiving

treatment, increased homelessness and unemployment, and higher rates of incarceration; and

     WHEREAS, The stigma that surrounds mental health puts up a barrier that we all need to

work to take down with a combination of education, awareness, and resources; and

     WHEREAS, In order to overcome the stigma against mental illness in our society, we

must show compassion for those with mental illness, increase access to support systems, talk

openly about mental health, and encourage individuals to seek the help and treatment they need;

now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims May 25, 2021, to be "Stop the Stigma Day" and urges communities to increase

awareness and education about mental health issues so that everyone feels comfortable reaching

out for the support they deserve; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Daniel McKee, Governor of the

State of Rhode Island, Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, Director, Rhode Department of

Health, and John Brett, PhD, Program Director, Partial Hospitalization Program at Newport

Hospital.

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