WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, May 8, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Jon Husted (R-OH) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate May 4–10, 2025, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The initiative seeks to bring national attention to the importance of addressing mental health challenges among children and adolescents, urging proactive measures to combat stigma and improve access to care.
Senator Fetterman, reflecting on his personal experience with mental health, expressed the critical need for this resolution during its announcement. “As someone who’s been open about my own mental health journey, I know firsthand that silence can be deadly. Our kids deserve to grow up in a world where asking for help is easy and stigma-free,” he stated. Drawing attention to alarming statistics, he emphasized the urgency of tackling suicide, now the second leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 14. “Senator Husted and I introduced this resolution to send a message loud and clear: asking for help is the bravest thing a person can do, and help is there when they do.”
Senator Husted echoed similar sentiments about expanding support networks for children. “Too many of Ohio’s children are struggling with mental health challenges,” he noted. “We need to be vigilant in understanding the harmful effects of social media, in supporting strong families, and in shaping healthy environments for kids. Our resolution is a step forward in providing children the guidance they need to become resilient young adults.”
Statistics Highlight the Need for Action in Pennsylvania
The resolution underscores a critical national issue, with Pennsylvania data providing a glimpse into its widespread impact. Over 15% of Pennsylvania teens aged 12 to 17 have reported experiencing at least one major depressive episode within the past year, with an estimated 57% of those youths not receiving mental health care. Additionally, approximately 18% of children in the state between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Key Objectives of the Resolution
The resolution underscores the importance of early detection, treatment, prevention strategies, and stigma reduction. Its primary goals include:
- Officially designating May 4–10, 2025, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
- Urging Congress, state governments, and school districts to prioritize youth mental health as a pressing national issue.
- Promoting mental health initiatives in schools and communities, while recognizing the significance of physical health factors such as outdoor activity, healthy eating, socialization, and sufficient sleep.
- Supporting the expansion of local, state, and federal partnerships to enhance access to counseling, tele-mental-health services, and crisis support.
- Encouraging families, community organizations, and schools to participate in awareness activities that foster dialogue and connect children to care.
A Forward-Looking Commitment
The senators reinforced the need for sustained attention to this issue. “This resolution is our way of showing every kid in Pennsylvania and across the country that Congress sees you and we want to be there for you,” said Fetterman. “Whether that’s getting more counselors in schools, holding social media giants accountable, or making mental health care more affordable.”
The resolution calls for continued emphasis on making mental health services more affordable and readily available to all children in the United States, with a broader focus on destigmatizing mental health discussions. By advocating for comprehensive support networks, the initiative lays the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient generation.
This bipartisan effort represents a milestone in mental health advocacy, reinforcing the message that mental well-being is a fundamental aspect of overall health. The resolution signals a meaningful step forward in addressing a growing challenge impacting children across Pennsylvania and the nation.
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