2026 -- H 8607

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LC006534

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2026 AS "MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Hopkins, Roberts, Santucci, Noret, Read, Azzinaro,
Paplauskas, Casey, Bennett, and J. Brien

     Date Introduced: June 02, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and raising

awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by men is essential to reducing

stigma, encouraging help-seeking behaviors, and preventing tragic outcomes such as suicide; and

     WHEREAS, June is recognized nationally as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

(often aligned with Men’s Health Month), providing an important opportunity to highlight the

need for open conversations, accessible resources, and community support for men’s mental

health across Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men in the United States experience

disproportionately high rates of suicide despite lower reported rates of certain mental health

conditions like depression compared to women; and

     WHEREAS, In 2023, the age-adjusted suicide rate among males was 22.8 per 100,000—

nearly four times higher than the rate among females (5.9 per 100,000)—and males accounted for

nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the United States, even though they represent about 50% of

the population; and

     WHEREAS, CDC and NIMH data further indicate that many men who die by suicide do

not have a known prior mental health diagnosis, highlighting barriers such as stigma, societal

expectations of stoicism, and lower rates of seeking professional help; and

     WHEREAS, These national trends underscore the urgent need in Rhode Island to

promote mental health literacy among men, support early intervention, expand access to

culturally appropriate care, and foster environments (in workplaces, families, communities, and

faith-based settings) where men feel safe discussing their mental health; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island General Assembly recognizes that addressing men’s

mental health strengthens families, workplaces, and communities throughout the state, and that

public awareness campaigns during the month of June can play a vital role in saving lives; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

recognizes and celebrates the month of June 2026 as "Men's Mental Health Month" in Rhode

Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island encourages

all residents, community organizations, healthcare providers, employers, and state agencies to

promote awareness of men’s mental health issues, reduce stigma, and support resources for

prevention, treatment, and recovery; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Department of Health, the

Rhode Island Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), and

appropriate advocacy organizations dedicated to men’s mental health.

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