President Biden Proclaims National Mental Health Awareness Month

President Joe Biden released a statement in recognition of May as National Mental Health Awareness Month. In his statement, President Biden describes a nation in crisis as the rate of depression has more than tripled since 2019 and youth suicide and suicidal ideation has increased at an alarming rate. He emphasizes the disproportionate impact of mental health on communities of color, frontline workers, health care workers, individuals with eating disorders, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Black youth, and LGBTQI+ youth, noting that less than half of struggling individuals receive the treatment they need. In the statement, President Biden points to his Administration’s efforts to address the crisis, including funding in the American Rescue Plan, guidance from the Surgeon General on youth mental health, and the upcoming release of the 988 crisis intervention hotline. In his Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal, President Biden recommends a new fund of $1 billion to invest in school-based health professionals, including school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers, a proposal that CEC strongly supports. 

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