Arizona DIFI Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month
The proclamation issued today by Governor Doug Ducey recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month - https://difi.az.gov/sites/default/files/media/Mental%20Health%20Awareness%20Month%202021.pdf.
The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) joins the Governor’s efforts to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues, support illness prevention efforts, and commit to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
Statistics indicate nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosed mental health condition in any given year. Among people ages 10-34, suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in Arizona and the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a 40% increase of U.S. adults who reported adverse mental health symptoms, increased substance use, and suicidal ideation.
Recent Arizona legislation exemplifies the state’s commitment to ensuring those facing mental health issues and suicidal ideation can receive appropriate care. On March 3, 2020, Governor Ducey signed SB 1523, also known as Jake’s Law, https://difi.az.gov/jakes-law, which established the Mental Health Parity Advisory Committee coordinated within DIFI. The committee brings together mental health providers, advocates, family members, and health insurers to help guide implementation of mental health parity in Arizona - https://difi.az.gov/mental-health-parity-advisory-committee.
“Timely access to effective treatment gives individuals with mental health conditions the opportunity to lead full, productive lives. DIFI is proud to work with Arizona’s stakeholders on the hard work needed to implement Jake’s Law and bring appropriate resources to bear on this issue,” said DIFI Director Evan Daniels. For more information, visit https://difi.az.gov/content/mental-health-parity-1
Media Contact:
James McGuffin