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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES AND
PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, mental health affects every aspect of our lives, influencing the way we think, feel, handle stress, relate to one another and make decisions; and
WHEREAS, nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year, an issue impacting the lives of at least one in four adults and one in ten children across the country; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that approximately 60 percent of the people currently suffering from a mental health condition are not getting appropriate treatment: and
WHEREAS, according to the Cook County Sheriff, more than 2,000 people with mental illness are being held at the Cook County Jail, many of them having medical issues as well; and
WHEREAS, negative attitudes, stereotypes and misunderstandings about mental illness create tremendous barriers for people with mental illness and their families; and
WHEREAS, a number of groups are working to provide hope and improve the quality of life for those in Cook County whose lives are affected by serious mental illness; and
WHEREAS, two such groups are the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago (NAMI Chicago) and The Brandon Marshall Foundation; and
WHEREAS, inspired by his own journey to come to terms with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall vowed that he would devote himself to making a difference in the lives of others struggling to cope with mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Brandon Marshall courageously went public with his diagnosis and created a foundation to realize his goal of giving others the same chance at recovery that he had; and
WHEREAS, The Brandon Marshall Foundation is devoted to raising awareness for mental illness and helping others gain access to the resources that they need to recover, with a mission to partner with leading mental health charities and service providers across the country; and
WHEREAS, NAMI Chicago is one of the largest, most active NAMI affiliates in the country, offering referrals, education and support through their helpline, in addition to free education courses and support groups for people dealing with mental illness and their families; and
WHEREAS, each year NAMI Chicago hosts "NAMIWalks Chicago", one of 85 NAMIWalks that take place annually across the United States, each with the goal of raising awareness, eliminating the stigma of mental illness and raising funds for NAMI Chicago and partner NAMI affiliates;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Cook County Board of Commissioners that the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago and The Brandon Marshall Foundation be commended for showing an unwavering dedication to mental health and to making a difference in the lives of those with mental illness who reside in Cook County and elsewhere; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of same be tendered to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago and The Brandon Marshall Foundation.
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