2026 House Resolution 317

Whereas, The United States is experiencing a mental health crisis, as reported by the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, which found that 1 in 10 adults have experienced a mental health crisis in the last year requiring prompt assistance; and

Whereas, One in five adults over the age of fifty across the country experience a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and

Whereas, The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in Michigan stands at 29.9 percent, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation; and

Whereas, Participation in the arts has been recognized globally as a significant resource for promoting mental health and well-being, as well as reducing feelings and experiences of social isolation and loneliness; and

Whereas, Arts-for-health initiatives have emerged as clinically validated interventions for addressing symptoms of stress, trauma, anxiety, and related mental health concerns; and

Whereas, Arts-for-health initiatives, as a trauma-informed practice, have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), improve emotional regulation, and provide an accessible outlet for individuals and communities; and

Whereas, The United States Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense have integrated creative arts therapies into treatment programs for PTSD among veterans and military personnel; and

Whereas, Mental health resources through community-based arts interventions and arts-for-health initiatives may have benefits for public safety by addressing mental illness and potentially reducing harmful and violent behaviors; and

Whereas, Arts-for-health initiatives not only support individual mental health but also enhance the well-being of health care professionals by fostering creative innovation, reducing burnout, and improving emotional resilience; and

Whereas, Health care professionals experiencing improved mental health and well-being are better equipped to provide compassionate, patient-centered care, thereby improving overall health care quality and outcomes; and

Whereas, Integrating arts-based practices into health care environments can create supportive spaces that mitigate stress and promote collaboration among care teams, ultimately strengthening the health care system’s capacity to respond to crises and sustain workforce vitality; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 15, 2026, as Arts for Mental Health Awareness Day in the state of Michigan. We acknowledge the role of artists, arts organizations, art therapists, and arts-for-health initiatives in supporting recovery from trauma, addressing mental health concerns and conditions, building community resilience, and increasing public safety.