A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS APPRECIATION TO PROFESSIONALS WHO ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF THOSE SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESS, AS WELL AS TO THE VOLUNTEERS WHO ASSIST THEM, AND TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024 AS "MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, mental health advocates in our great State work diligently to advocate for those suffering from mental illness, for they cannot fight the battle alone; and

Whereas, mental health advocates strive to educate all South Carolinians, both adults and children, for the purpose of promoting good mental health, raising awareness, and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness; and

Whereas, mental health advocates serve those suffering from mental illness by providing evidence-based programs that can improve their quality of life and speed their recovery; and

Whereas, while mental health professionals are more visible than their volunteer helpers, much of the work of advocacy is accomplished by the dedicated volunteers who lend their time and talents to the daily tasks of running the organizations they serve; and

Whereas, grateful for the labors of our mental health advocates and their volunteer helpers, the members of the General Assembly are pleased to pause in their deliberations to declare "Mental Health Advocacy Day" in the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express appreciation to professionals who advocate on behalf of those suffering from mental illness, as well as to the volunteers who assist them, and declare Wednesday, March 6, 2024 as "Mental Health Advocacy Day" in South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that the copy of this resolution be presented to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.

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