RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bush and 19 co-sponsors

Delaware officially designates May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month to promote education, reduce stigma, and encourage community participation in awareness efforts.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 18 YES 3 ABSENT

Bill Overview

Bill: HCR 133

Session: 153

Jurisdiction: Delaware

Title: Recognizing the Month of May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month

Status: Introduced and passed both chambers (House and Senate) in May 2026

House: Passed by voice vote
Senate: Passed with 18 YeS, 3 Absent

Principal aim: Officially recognize May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Delaware, encouraging public awareness and education about mental health issues.

Main Purpose and Intent

To formally acknowledge the importance of mental health in the community and promote awareness, understanding, and support for individuals living with mental health conditions.

To encourage state and local programs, organizations, and residents to engage in activities that reduce stigma and increase access to mental health resources.

Key Provisions and Changes

Official recognition: Declares May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Delaware.

Public awareness efforts: Endorses statewide and local initiatives, events, and campaigns during May to highlight mental health education, resources, and support networks.

Encouragement to stakeholders: Appeals to government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, employers, and individuals to participate in awareness activities.

Non-binding formal action: The measure serves as an expression of the General Assembly’s support rather than creating new mandatory programs or funding, unless paired with separate appropriations or statutes.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Residents of Delaware: Encouraged to participate in awareness events, conversation, and education about mental health.

State agencies and local governments: Invited to collaborate on awareness activities and messaging.

Healthcare providers, schools, community groups, employers: Potential participants in May Mental Health Awareness Month initiatives and outreach efforts.

Mental health organizations and advocates: May receive heightened attention and opportunities to coordinate events or campaigns.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and passage:

Introduced and passed in the House on May 20, 2026 (House action by voice vote).
Simultaneously passed in the Senate on May 20, 2026, with 18 votes in favor and 3 absences.

Effective date: Being a concurrent or resolution recognizing a month, it typically takes effect upon passage or as specified in the resolution; no explicit funding or regulatory changes are inherent unless additional measures are enacted.

Summary

HCR 133 is a Delaware House Concurrent Resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. It promotes public education, reduces stigma, and encourages participation by state and local entities, schools, healthcare providers, employers, and the community in awareness efforts during May. The measure does not establish new programs or funding by itself but signals legislative support for mental health awareness activities across the state.