SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 22

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Kay Papen

A JOINT MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 26, 2009 AS "BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAY" AT THE LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, many consumers and family members must cope with disabling behavioral health illnesses; and

     WHEREAS, these individuals advocate to improve the continuum of behavioral health services statewide; and

     WHEREAS, these individuals advocate to ensure that behavioral health services are consumer- and family-driven; and

     WHEREAS, these individuals advocate to increase behavioral health education and training to individuals, families, providers and the general public; and

     WHEREAS, these individuals advocate to promote adequate funding to address the needs of the behavioral health continuum; and

     WHEREAS, these individuals advocate to ensure the availability of appropriate pharmaceuticals; and

     WHEREAS, these individuals advocate to ensure that behavioral health services are provided in a culturally competent manner; and

     WHEREAS, these individuals advocate to use data and information in the decision-making process for the behavioral health continuum in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, these individuals advocate 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, advocates and providers strive to have individuals with behavioral health disorders lead personally meaningful lives, reaching personal goals with resiliency and hope;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 26, 2009 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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