Summary of SRES 249 — Mental Health Awareness Month Resolution

Overview

SRES 249 is a Senate resolution introduced on May 22, 2025, expressing support for designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new programs or authorize funding, but it signals the Senate’s support for mental health awareness and related priorities.

Purpose and Intent

• Officially designate May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
• Remove stigma surrounding mental illness and highlight scientific findings on mental health recovery.
• Declare mental health a national priority and emphasize the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical health.

Key Provisions

The resolution articulates the following core points:
1. Support the designation of May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month to reduce stigma and emphasize recovery science.
2. Declare mental health a national priority.
3. Support increasing access to mental health services.
4. Recognize that mental well-being is as important as physical well-being for citizens, communities, schools, businesses, and the U.S. economy.
5. Applaud the collaboration among national, state, local, medical, and faith-based organizations in:
- Promoting public awareness of mental health; and
- Providing information and support to individuals and families affected by mental illness.
6. Encourage individuals to use Mental Health Awareness Month to promote well-being, ensure access to appropriate coverage and services, and support overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.

Legislative Actions and Status

• Introduced in the Senate on May 22, 2025.
• Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (text referenced as CR S3122).
• Status: Introduced; no floor passage or committee report yet indicated.

Sponsors

• Senator Steve Daines is listed as a sponsor (noted as a sponsor/co-sponsor in the provided materials).

Potential Impact and Implications

• Symbolic/advocacy value: Signals bipartisan or broad Senate support for mental health awareness and related priorities.
• Policy emphasis without policy change: As a resolution, it does not create new funding, mandates, or regulatory requirements.
• Public and stakeholder influence: May influence public discourse, support ongoing mental health initiatives, and align with other federal and private-sector efforts to improve access to mental health services and reduce stigma.
• Timelines: Reflects designation-specific to May 2025; future years would require separate resolutions or actions to designate subsequent Mental Health Awareness Months.

Notes

• The bill is a Senate resolution (non-binding) and does not alter existing law or funding mechanisms.
• The text underscores the importance of mental health across multiple sectors and encourages broad-based engagement during the designated month.