Resolution - Mental Health
|
WHEREAS, Puerto Rico and many of our Hispanic communities throughout the United States are in the midst of a serious mental health crisis. WHEREAS, the number of Puerto Ricans and Latinos with a diagnosed mental condition has increased dramatically within the last decade. WHEREAS, the number of suicides in Puerto Rico, and in the Hispanic communities on the mainland have reached never before seen levels, which constitute the clearest measure of the critical situation which we face today. WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for more and better mental health services to all Puerto Ricans and Latinos; that they should be readily available across our island and our nation regardless of social condition and availability of an insurance plan, that many cover for such services. WHEREAS, an important step was undertaken by Speaker Jose F. Aponte-Hernandez and the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico with the approval of House Resolution 7860 and the creation of a Special Committee on Mental Health. WHEREAS, Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy has proposed a very comprehensive bill, known as the “Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act”, which fully addresses this problem at the national level. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the League of United Latin American Citizens fully support the legislative efforts that have already been undertaken in Puerto Rico by the Hon. Jose F. Aponte-Hernandez, and in Congress by the Hon. Patrick Kennedy. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution constitutes a mandate for LULAC, so that all appropriate actions can be undertaken to fully and actively support these and any other efforts on behalf of the thousands of Latinos who require adequate mental health assistance. Approved this 11th day of July 2008. |