BILL NUMBER: SCR 97 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Senator Yee APRIL 7, 2010 Relative to Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SCR 97, as introduced, Yee. Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day. This measure would recognize May 10, 2010, and each May 10 thereafter, as Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day, and acknowledge the importance of raising awareness about mental health in the Asian Pacific American community. Fiscal committee: no. WHEREAS, The Asian Pacific American community is among the fastest growing and most diverse racial groups in the United States. Asian Pacific Americans have made remarkable economic, political, and social contributions, and are the majority in eight California cities and the second largest group in four California counties; and WHEREAS, Approximately 25 percent of Americans experience and are diagnosed with a mental health condition in a given year, impacting all communities regardless of race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and gender; and WHEREAS, There is a critical need to raise awareness about and advocate for health care policies that increase the accessibility of mental health care services; and WHEREAS, In this country there is a critical need to raise awareness about mental health, particularly within the Asian Pacific American community, to destigmatize seeking help, and to gain access to culturally competent community services; and WHEREAS, Asian Pacific Americans use mental health services at the lowest rates among ethnic populations. This may be due to the substantial stigma that exists among Asian Pacific Americans, as well as cultural and linguistic isolation of the community, family, and individual; and WHEREAS, There is an extreme lack of research regarding Asian Pacific Americans and mental health issues. A combination of psychosocial and pharmacological treatments and supports prove to be highly effective with 70 percent to 90 percent, inclusive, of individuals with mental health issues having significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life; and WHEREAS, Raising awareness about mental health in the Asian Pacific American community encourages professional interest in health and human services careers, fostering a diversified workforce that reflects the community; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes May 10, 2010, and each May 10 thereafter, as Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day, and acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about mental health in the Asian Pacific American community; and be it further Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.