National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2017

In simple terms

This proclamation designates May 2017 as National Mental Health Awareness Month, calling on Americans to support those with mental illness, raise awareness, and commit to prevention and treatment. It references an upcoming May 4, 2017 event honoring Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt for speaking about behavioral health challenges.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 21103

Record & deadlines

May 1, 2017Signed
Signed by the President
May 4, 2017FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 82 FR 21103
Federal Register PDF
May 4, 2017
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day commemoration with HHS Secretary Tom Price presenting awards

Key directives

Proclaim May 2017 as National Mental Health Awareness Month
Call upon all Americans to support citizens suffering from mental illness
Raise awareness of mental health conditions through appropriate programs and activities
Commit Nation to innovative prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

What to expect

Immediate

Proclamation of May 2017 as National Mental Health Awareness Month

Near term (90d)

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day on May 4, 2017

Long term

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Risks & tensions

Document contains aspirational language without binding mandates or funding commitments
Vague commitment to 'working with' HHS and states lacks enforcement mechanism
No specific policy changes or resource allocations attached to proclamation