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 of the problem, 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 House of Representatives, the Senate 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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