Proclamation 9875-National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2019
Issued 2019-05-01 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This presidential proclamation designates May 2019 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. The action itself is ceremonial—it doesn't create new laws or spending, but rather uses the presidency's platform to draw national attention to mental health issues. The proclamation recognizes that mental health plays a vital role in individual and national well-being, and emphasizes the administration's commitment to research, education, and reducing stigma around mental illnesses.
The proclamation highlights that nearly 47 million American adults are living with a mental illness, with 24 percent experiencing serious mental illness. It notes particular concern about increasing rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and serious mental illness among youth and young adults, with more than one in ten young adults seriously considering suicide in 2017. The document also mentions that an average of 20 service members and veterans die by suicide each day.
The proclamation describes existing administration efforts addressing mental health, including maintaining funding for Community Mental Health Services Block Grants, implementing the bipartisan SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act signed in 2018, and approving applications from more than 20 states to expand substance use disorder treatment access. It also references the PREVENTS Initiative focused on veteran suicide prevention. These are ongoing policy efforts; the proclamation itself simply declares the month of recognition.
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 9875-National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2019" — 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 Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9875—National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2019 May 1, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the vital role mental health plays in the well-being of individuals and our Nation. We also reaffirm our commitment to facilitating research and education, dispelling stigma around mental illnesses, and reassuring every individual suffering from mental illnesses that they are not alone. My Administration has made mental and behavioral health a primary focus of our public health efforts, particularly opioid addiction and serious mental illness. This includes connecting agencies from across the Government to address issues ranging from housing to workforce opportunity, bringing a whole person approach to bear upon this issue. Mental illnesses can impair mental health in many ways, through a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. While we have made great strides in addressing mental illnesses, millions of Americans still grapple with various forms of it. Nearly 47 million American adults are living with a mental illness. Twenty-four percent of these individuals are living with a serious mental il