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Recognizing October 10, 2026 as World Mental Health Day and October 8, 2026 as National Depression Screening Day in the City of Philadelphia
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WHEREAS, Mental health is a critical public health issue in Philadelphia that is stigmatized and is influenced by various negative, poverty-related socioeconomic outcomes; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental health condition in a given year, and almost half of residents in the US will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime; and,
WHEREAS, More than 1 in 7 youth ages 6-17 in the US will experience a mental health condition in a given year, and suicide remains the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10 to 24; and,
WHEREAS, Research also shows that our mental health is intrinsically linked to physical health, with risk of cardiometabolic diseases being doubled in individuals with a mental health condition; and,
WHEREAS, These facts reflect a growing need to normalize conversations about our mental health and wellbeing, and uplift mental health resources that could end up saving a life; and,
WHEREAS, Early identification and treatment of depression and other mental health conditions are key to preventing long-term adverse outcomes, and National Depression Screening Day provides a valuable opportunity to connect individuals with the care they need; and
WHEREAS, Addressing mental health issues through education, awareness, and accessible care will foster resilience and improve the well-being of Philadelphia's children and their families, particularly in poor and marginalized communities, where mental health services are often most needed; and,
WHEREAS, World Mental Health Day also presents an opportunity to celebrate the vital services of mental health workers, advocates, and organizations throughout our City that are dedicated to supporting residents through mental health challenges; and,
WHEREAS, Community partners like the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and its 24/7 Behavioral Health and Crisis Center, Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC), the Philadelphia Mental Health Center (PMHC), and other organizations with varying levels of scope provide vital mental health services to children and families, offering crisis intervention, outpatient therapies, and evidence-based treatments to combat the persistent mental health crisis; and
WHEREAS, These organizations, through their trauma-informed, family-focused approaches, empower children and families by offering immediate support and long-term care strategies, which play a pivotal role in addressing mental health disparities in under-resourced communities; and,
WHEREAS, Through continuing to center the perspectives of those with lived experience and investing in the organizations committed to advancing the wellbeing of residents, we are building a healthier, happier, and more deeply empathetic Philadelphia where every resident can access the care and support they need; now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizing October 10, 2026 as World Mental Health Day and October 8, 2026 National Depression Screening Day in the City of Philadelphia, and uplifting all those with lived experience of a mental health condition and the workers, advocates, and organizations who are dedicated to supporting mental wellbeing.
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