Celebrating the Month of June 2026 as "Men's Mental Health Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by men is essential to reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking behaviors, and preventing tragic outcomes such as suicide; and

WHEREAS, June is recognized nationally as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month (often aligned with Men’s Health Month), providing an important opportunity to highlight the need for open conversations, accessible resources, and community support for men’s mental health across Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men in the United States experience disproportionately high rates of suicide despite lower reported rates of certain mental health conditions like depression compared to women; and

WHEREAS, In 2023, the age-adjusted suicide rate among males was 22.8 per 100,000— nearly four times higher than the rate among females (5.9 per 100,000)—and males accounted for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the United States, even though they represent about 50% of the population; and

WHEREAS, CDC and NIMH data further indicate that many men who die by suicide do not have a known prior mental health diagnosis, highlighting barriers such as stigma, societal expectations of stoicism, and lower rates of seeking professional help; and

WHEREAS, These national trends underscore the urgent need in Rhode Island to promote mental health literacy among men, support early intervention, expand access to culturally appropriate care, and foster environments (in workplaces, families, communities, and faith-based settings) where men feel safe discussing their mental health; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island General Assembly recognizes that addressing men’s mental health strengthens families, workplaces, and communities throughout the state, and that public awareness campaigns during the month of June can play a vital role in saving lives; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes and celebrates the month of June 2026 as "Men's Mental Health Month" in Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island encourages all residents, community organizations, healthcare providers, employers, and state agencies to promote awareness of men’s mental health issues, reduce stigma, and support resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Rhode Island Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), and appropriate advocacy organizations dedicated to men’s mental health.