Proclamation 9433-National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2016
Issued 2016-04-28 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate May 2016 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation draws attention to mental health issues affecting nearly 44 million American adults and millions of children each year, including conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress. It calls for reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and encouraging people to seek help.
The proclamation highlights progress made in expanding mental health coverage, noting that the Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and requires mental health coverage in certain insurance markets. It states that nearly 15 million more Americans gained Medicaid coverage since October 2013 and that community health centers expanded behavioral health services for nearly 900,000 people. The proclamation also mentions the President's budget proposal for a half-billion dollar investment in mental health care and the establishment of a Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Task Force.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that does not create new laws or impose requirements on anyone. It expresses presidential recognition of mental health awareness and summarizes existing policy efforts. The proclamation specifically acknowledges veterans' mental health needs and references the Clay Hunt SAV Act signed the previous year, which aims to improve mental health services at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9433-National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to mental health. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9433—National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2016 April 28, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Nearly 44 million American adults, and millions of children, experience mental health conditions each year, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress. Although we have made progress expanding mental health coverage and elevating the conversation about mental health, too many people still do not get the help they need. Our Nation is founded on the belief that we must look out for one another—and whether it affects our family members, friends, co-workers, or those unknown to us—we do a service for each other when we reach out and help those struggling with mental health issues. This month, we renew our commitment to ridding our society of the stigma associated with mental illness, encourage those living with mental health conditions to get the help they need, and reaffirm our pledge to ensure those who need help have access to the support, acceptance, and resources they deserve. In the last 7 years, our country has made extraordinary progress in expanding mental health coverage for more people across America. The Affordabl