THE BILL ITSELF
HR 8101
Youth Mental Health Awareness Week
1
House Resolution
2
A resolution designates May 11-17, 2026, as "Youth
3
Mental Health Awareness Week" in Florida.
5
WHEREAS, the mental health and well-being of children and
6
adolescents are essential to their academic success, personal
7
development, and overall quality of life, and
8
WHEREAS, one in six adolescents between the ages of 12 and
9
17 in the United States experiences a major depressive episode
10
each year, which translates to approximately 325,000 young
11
Floridians, and
12
WHEREAS, one in nine adolescents between the ages of 12 and
13
17 in the United States reports experiencing serious thoughts of
14
suicide each year, demonstrating the urgent need for increased
15
awareness, education, and early intervention, and
16
WHEREAS, suicide remains a leading cause of death among
17
adolescents, with a suicide rate of 7.1 per 100,000 of
18
individuals between 15 and 19 years of age in Florida, and
19
WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in
20
the United States every May since 1949, providing an opportunity
21
to focus attention on the unique mental health needs of children
22
and adolescents, and
23
WHEREAS, schools, families, healthcare providers, and
24
community organizations across Florida play a critical role in
25
promoting mental wellness, reducing mental health stigma, and
26
supporting children and adolescents who face mental health
27
challenges, NOW, THEREFORE,
29
Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
30
Florida:
32
That May 11-17, 2026, is designated as "Youth Mental Health
33
Awareness Week" in Florida to support the mental health and
34
well-being of Florida's youth, and to commend the continued
35
collaboration among families, schools, healthcare providers, and
36
community organizations for supporting young Floridians facing
37
mental health challenges.