“As someone who’s been open about my own mental health journey, I know firsthand that silence can be deadly. Our kids deserve to grow up in a world where asking for help is easy and stigma-free.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Jon Husted (R-OH) introduced a resolution to support the designation of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
“As someone who’s been open about my own mental health journey, I know firsthand that silence can be deadly. Our kids deserve to grow up in a world where asking for help is easy and stigma-free,” said Senator Fetterman. “Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for 10- to 14-year-olds. Senator Husted and I introduced this resolution to send a message loud and clear: asking for help is the bravest thing a person can do, and help is there when they do.”
“No child should have to shoulder mental health struggles alone,” continued Fetterman. “This resolution is our way of showing every kid in Pennsylvania and across the country that Congress sees you and we want to be there for you—whether that’s getting more counselors in schools, holding social media giants accountable, or making mental health care more affordable.”
“Too many of Ohio’s children are struggling with mental health challenges. We need to be vigilant in understanding the harmful effects of social media, in supporting strong families and in shaping healthy environments for kids,” said Senator Husted. “Our resolution is a step forward in providing children the guidance they need to become resilient young adults.”
Why it matters in Pennsylvania:
- More than 15% of Pennsylvania teens (ages 12–17) report suffering from at least one major depressive episode during the past year
- Roughly 57% of Pennsylvania high school students with major depression do not receive mental health care.
- Roughly 18% of Pennsylvania children (ages 3–17) have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or a related condition.
What the resolution does:
- Designates May 4–10, 2025 as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness of children’s mental health and the importance of early detection, treatment, intervention and prevention strategies.
- Urges Congress, states, and school districts to categorize and treat youth mental health as a top national priority and calls for the continued promotion of mental health in schools and communities.
- Recognizes the link between children’s mental health and ample outdoor recreation, a healthy diet, regular socialization with peers and adequate sleep.
- Supports local–state–federal partnerships that are already expanding counseling, tele-mental-health, and crisis line access.
- Calls on families and communities to take part in awareness week activities that break stigma and connect kids to care.
- Reaffirms that mental health is health and demands continued efforts to make services affordable and accessible for every child in America.
The full text of the bill is available here.
