Resolution 230433

..Title Declaring the second week of May 2023 as Children's Mental Health Week in the City of Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, Children's Mental Health Week raises awareness about the importance of children's mental health and reminds Philadelphians that positive mental health is essential to healthy development; and WHEREAS, Mental health is an important part of a young person's health and well-being. Mental health includes children's mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. It affects how children think, feel, and act. It also plays a role in how children handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices; and WHEREAS, Young people across the city are under siege from various life adversities. As a result, many young people experience trauma which can lead to mental illnesses. According to the CDC, 1 in 6 children nationwide have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder; and WHEREAS, Young people who face racial discrimination are 10% more likely to have a mental health issue, a powerful reminder of how racism and other forms of discrimination continues to harm marginalized communities; and WHEREAS, Research has shown early identification and appropriate treatment of mental health disorders among young people provides them with better opportunities to lead a full and productive life. Young people in Philadelphia and across the nation must be taught how to handle mental health challenges, so they do not turn to violence and other harmful means to cope; and WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia has many agencies focused on serving children and families experiencing mental health challenges. This includes the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, the Office of Children and Families, the Department of Human Services, and more. This body encourages young people and families experiencing mental health challenges to reach out to the City or a healthcare provider, so they can receive the care they deserve; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, hereby declares the second week of May 2023 as Children's Mental Health Week in the City of Philadelphia. ..End