House concurrent resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daisy Berbeco and 1 co-sponsor

Designates May 2026 as Vermont Mental Health Awareness Month to promote awareness and reduce stigma through collaboration with key mental health organizations.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b

Purpose and intent

This House concurrent resolution designates May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont.

It emphasizes the importance of good mental health to overall well-being and the need to address stigma, promote public education, and support efforts to improve mental health for individuals and families in Vermont.

The resolution aligns Vermont with the broader national observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, including a specific 2026 theme from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): “Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community.”

Key provisions and changes

Formal designation: May 2026 is proclaimed Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont.

Outreach and partnership exhortation: Directs the Secretary of State to provide copies of the resolution to relevant mental health organizations (NAMI Vermont, Vermont Care Partners, and the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery) to acknowledge and support Mental Health Awareness Month activities and stigma-reduction efforts.

The resolution does not create new programs, funding, or statutory requirements; it serves as a symbolic and commemorative expression of state recognition.

Affected parties and impact

Primary audience: Vermont residents, with an emphasis on reducing stigma and increasing public awareness of mental health issues.

Stakeholders likely to benefit indirectly include mental health organizations, healthcare providers, educators, families, and individuals affected by mental health conditions through heightened awareness and community support.

The measure does not impose new mandates on state agencies, requires no appropriation, and does not alter existing laws or funding streams.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Sponsor information: Reps. Daisy Berbeco (primary) and Brian Cina (co-sponsor).

Last action: May 7, 2026 — On Consent Calendar (indicating routine, non-controversial consideration).

Status: A concurrent resolution passed to the Senate/House as part of the regular session process; no new regulations or deadlines beyond the annual observance.

Effectiveness: The designation takes effect for May 2026, signaling statewide recognition during that month.

Notable context

The resolution references broader mental health considerations, including the prevalence of mental health conditions and concerns about stigma, with an emphasis on community-based healing and public education in line with NAMI’s 2026 theme. It acknowledges national trends while focusing on Vermont’s recognition and engagement with mental health awareness efforts.

Overall, HCR 293 is a symbolic measure to formally designate May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Vermont and to promote collaboration with key mental health organizations to support awareness-raising and stigma-reduction activities.

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