Recognizing October 2022 as National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month in the City of Philadelphia to spread awareness of mental illness, substance abuse, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

WHEREAS, According to Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), more than one out of every six adults in Philadelphia has been diagnosed with a mental health condition.; and

WHEREAS, In 2022 alone, Mental Health America has identified that 1,963,000 Pennsylvanians are experiencing mental health illness, 728,000 are experiencing substance abuse disorder, 482,000 are experiencing suicidal thoughts, and 1,012,000 have not received treatment; and

WHEREAS, In 2022, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified that 5,168 experience death by overdose and 1,694 Pennsylvanians experience death from suicide; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services Behavioral Health Division provides mental health services for adults and children requiring medical, social, and educational services. The office provides these services through an extensive network of contracted provider agencies located throughout Philadelphia. The network of services includes 11 community mental health centers, More than 30 specialized behavioral health agencies, and 5 crisis response centers; and

WHEREAS, The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers Family Member Support, Support Groups for Individuals with Mental Illness, and Local Online Support Groups amongst many other free resources through coalition support; and

WHEREAS, The John F. Kennedy Behavioral Health Center offers resources Community Integrated Recovery Centers, Senior Adult Services, Behavioral Health Outpatient Services, Intensive Outpatient Services-Substance Abuse, Drug and Alcohol Outpatient Services for Adults and Adolescents, Emergency Services, Medical Mobile Emergency Team, Crisis Intervention Specialists, Intake and Referral Unit services, and Blended Case Management Service; and

WHEREAS, Through the multitude of services offered like these, we encourage all Philadelphians to prioritize mental health through exercising these resources and the participation of regular mental health screenings; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby authorize the recognition of October 2022 as National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month in the City of Philadelphia to spread awareness of mental illness, substance abuse, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

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