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HR 8607

HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2026 AS "MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 9 co-sponsors

Declares June 2026 as Men’s Mental Health Month in Rhode Island to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and boost access to resources and support.

06/02/2026 House read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8607

Overview

  • Bill: HR 8607 (Rhode Island)
  • Session: 2026
  • Status: Introduced and passed by the Rhode Island House on June 2, 2026
  • Type: House Resolution
  • Title: Celebrating the Month of June 2026 as "Men's Mental Health Month" in Rhode Island
  • Principal aim: Recognize June 2026 as Men’s Mental Health Month and encourage awareness, reduce stigma, and promote access to resources and support for men's mental health across the state

Purpose and Intent

  • Acknowledge the importance of mental health as a component of overall well-being.
  • Highlight the disproportionate impact of suicide on men and the barriers men face in seeking help.
  • Promote open conversations, awareness, and accessible resources to support men’s mental health.
  • Align Rhode Island with national awareness efforts for Men’s Mental Health Month.

Key Provisions

  • Declares June 2026 as "Men's Mental Health Month" in Rhode Island.
  • Calls on all Rhode Island residents and stakeholders to:
    • Promote awareness of men’s mental health issues.
    • Reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
    • Support resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to:
    • Rhode Island Department of Health
    • Rhode Island BHDDH (Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals)
    • Appropriate advocacy organizations dedicated to men’s mental health

Who/What is Affected

  • Government agencies: Rhode Island Department of Health; BHDDH
  • Community and professional sectors: healthcare providers, employers, community organizations, faith-based groups
  • Advocacy groups focused on men’s mental health
  • General public in Rhode Island through awareness campaigns and enhanced attention to men’s mental health issues

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: June 2, 2026
  • Action taken: House read and passed the resolution on June 2, 2026
  • Next steps: Transmittal of certified copies to designated state agencies and advocacy organizations; acts as a formal expression of recognition rather than creating new law or mandatory programs

Context and Significance

  • Aligns Rhode Island with national discourse recognizing June as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
  • Emphasizes data showing higher suicide rates among men and the tendency for men to have less prior mental health diagnosis, underscoring the need for targeted outreach and culturally appropriate care.
  • Serves as a symbolic and educational instrument intended to foster dialogue, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors and resource access.

Note: As a resolution, the bill primarily expresses official recognition and guidance for awareness activities rather than creating binding policy or new funding mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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