SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 22

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Kay Papen

A JOINT MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 17, 2011 TO BE "BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY" AT THE LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, many consumers and their family members live with disabling behavioral health illnesses; and

     WHEREAS, there are many advocates who support and work on behalf of people with behavioral health disorders; and

     WHEREAS, the advocates advocate for a holistic array of behavioral health services statewide that are consumer- and family-driven; and

     WHEREAS, they also advocate:

          A. to increase behavioral health education and training to individuals, families, providers and the general public;

          B. to promote adequate funding to address the needs of the behavioral health continuum;

          C. to ensure the availability of appropriate pharmaceuticals;

          D. to ensure that behavioral health services are provided in a culturally competent manner;

          E. to use data and information in the decision-making process for the behavioral health continuum in New Mexico; and

          F. to improve the behavioral health work force capacity in New Mexico by providing appropriate employment and housing opportunities to clients in New Mexico's behavioral health system; and

     WHEREAS, behavioral health consumers, family members, providers and other advocates strive to help people with behavioral health disorders to lead personally meaningful lives and reach personal goals with resiliency and hope;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 17, 2011 be proclaimed "Behavioral Health Day" at the legislature to honor the many individuals who devote themselves to public policymaking on behalf of the thousands of voiceless New Mexicans who suffer from behavioral health disorders.

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