Children's Mental Health Week Resolution — File 23-0499

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS CITY COUNCIL WILLIE BURNLEY JR. CITY COUNCILOR AT LARGE A Resolution Declaring May 7th - 13th Children's Mental Health Week WHEREAS: according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one in five children is diagnosed with a mental health condition; and WHEREAS: A significant portion of Somerville Middle and High School students, particularly children of color and genderqueer children, reported experiencing depression, intentionally self-harming, experiencing suicidal ideation, and attempting suicide in a 2021 health survey; and WHEREAS: good mental health is a key component in a child’s healthy development and Children’s Mental Health Week shines the light on this important matter; and WHEREAS: early identification of mental health needs is crucial to the healthy development of children and youths along with treatment, which includes timely services and supports from a fully integrated team of diverse resources including their families, physicians, schools, and local communities; and WHEREAS: appropriate treatment is family-driven, youth-guided, culturally appropriate, and equitable across varying communities and populations; and

WHEREAS: appropriately treating the mental health needs of children, youth, and families today is fundamental to the future of our nation, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the city of Somerville; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council declares May 7th - 13th as Children’s Mental Health Week and urge our residents, businesses, and organizations to promote this year’s theme of “Accept, Advocate, Act - Because Awareness Is Not Enough” in order to help increase equitable access to appropriate treatment; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council urges the Administration to appropriate the necessary funds in the FY24 budget to conduct another Pulse Check Health Survey of Somerville Public School students in order to assess their mental health struggles and need as well as additional funds to provide culturally-relevant and age-appropriate materials that help children identify signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges and supports