Husted, Fetterman introduce resolution highlighting children’s mental health awareness

WASHINGTON – Sens. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) today introduced a resolution to support the designation of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

“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. Our resolution is a step forward in providing children the guidance they need to become resilient young adults,” said Husted.

“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. 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 waiting when you do. No child should have to shoulder mental‑health struggles alone,” said Fetterman.

Ohio’s young people experience higher rates of mental health conditions compared to the U.S. overall, and the rates continue to worsen over time, according to a recent study. In 2023, 35% of Ohio high school students reported consistently feeling sad or hopeless, up from 26% in 2013. Almost 12% of Ohio children ages 3 to 17 reported feeling anxious, compared to about 10% of children nationwide in 2021-2022.

The resolution:

• Supports the designation of May 4 through May 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;
• Recognizes the relationship between children’s mental health and ample outdoor recreation, a healthy diet, regular socialization with peers and adequate sleep;
• Urges that youth mental health be categorized as a national priority and calls for the continued promotion of mental health in schools and communities;
• Applauds the collaboration of local, state and federal organizations in promoting awareness of youth mental health and providing support for those in need;
• Advocates for individuals, families and communities to participate in activities surrounding Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week to promote mental well-being initiatives, reduce stigma and facilitate access to essential services and resources; and
• Reaffirms the importance of mental health as a necessary aspect of overall well-being and urges continued efforts to facilitate access to mental health care for American children.

Full text of the bill is available here.