STATE OF MAINE
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IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-THREE
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JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 10, 2023 AS
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AWARENESS DAY
WHEREAS, one in every 4 persons over the age of 18 has a diagnosable mental illness,
and many other persons experience brief periods of mental illness in their lifetimes; and
WHEREAS, both in Maine and nationally, mental illness has been received with a reaction
of stigma and fear; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, 42 law enforcement departments in the State responded to over
4,500 calls involving mental illness; and
WHEREAS, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, one in 4 persons in the State received
treatment for mental health challenges each year, including persons who were incarcerated,
residing in a mental health facility, experiencing homelessness and non-English speakers; and
WHEREAS, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center
for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, 160.27 per 10,000 emergency room visits in the
State were related to suicidal intent, and for the first 3 quarters of 2022, the figure was 157.36
per 10,000; and
WHEREAS, on February 10, 2023, Legislators throughout the State are invited to visit
local mental health care providers and recovery centers to meet clinicians, clients, advocates
and family members who are assisting Maine persons living with mental illness; and
WHEREAS, on February 10, 2023, Legislators are also invited to join community leaders
to learn more about mental health and substance use disorder and how to provide support at the
local level; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-first Legislature now
assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this
opportunity to recognize February 10, 2023 as Community Mental Health Services Awareness
Day, to recognize the impact mental illness has on our emotions, cognitive abilities and conduct
and to thank the mental health professionals who are working to eradicate stigma and fear and
help persons live happier and healthier lives.
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