Yesterday, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced a resolution marking May 10, 2023 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day.

The resolution recognizes the importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and encourages health agencies to adopt policies to improve utilization of mental health services for the AANHPI community, as well as other marginalized communities. Suicide is the top cause of death for AANHPI youth, ages 10 to 24-years old, and in Hawaiʻi, the rate of suicide for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders is three times the national average. The month of May marks both AANHPI Heritage Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month.

In addition to Senator Hirono, the resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

Photo credit: Office of Senator Mazie Hirono