HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO.15
(By Delegates Long, Spencer, Talbott, Barker,
Marshall, Overington and Rowan)
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
the current status of mental health services for adolescents
and young adults to reduce suicide rates and rates of
delinquency.
Whereas, At-risk youth are more likely to attempt or to commit
suicide or engage in delinquent acts; and
Whereas, Mental and behavioral health services are not adequate
or available for many West Virginia youth; and
Whereas, Mental illness such as depression, like physical
illnesses, is treatable; and
Whereas, Depression is the major leading cause of suicide; and
Whereas, Depression affects nearly one in every eight
adolescents; and
Whereas, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for
teenagers age 15 to 19; and
Whereas, Eighty percent of people who seek treatment for
depression show improvement; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the current state of mental health services for adolescents and young adults, including the use of colocated health
and mental health facilities in public schools and colleges and
universities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report on its findings, conclusions and recommendations,
together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendations, to the next regular session of the Legislature;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to carry out its
duties, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
This resolution is recommended for adoption in the 2005
Regular Session by the Legislative Task Force on Juvenile Foster
Care, Detention and Placement.
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