Expanding Mental Health Resources

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Gerry Gergich
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Mental health awareness, although widely passed off in earlier times as unimportant, is increasing in today’s society. Afghanistan sees the role mental health issues play in different problems and conflicts, and believes it is relevant to the World Health Organization Committee. Recently in today's world society, The World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) is a mental health system is defined as all the activities whose primary purpose is to promote, restore or maintain mental health. WHO-AIMS is primarily intended for assessing mental health systems in low and middle income countries, but is also a valuable assessment tool for high resource countries. As a part of WHO-AIMS, Afghanistan believes that mental health has become more and more of an important issue that has been overlooked for far too long. Access to comprehensive health services remain out of reach for the majority of people with severe mental disorders. To fix this, Afghanistan would like to see an increase in the number of qualified physicians around the world. With only one psychiatric hospital in our entire country, our people are desperate for treatment and help. Devastated by decades of war, instability and poverty, many Afghans suffer from mental health and psychosocial symptoms and problems. Healthcare facilities attending to mental health care are scarce. Mental health is one of the components in the existing framework of the Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS). Inclusion of mental health and psychosocial care into BPHS is an important step for ensuring that psychosocial problems and mental disorders are recognized and managed by primary healthcare personnel. Psychosocial counselors provide services in most of comprehensive health centers (CHCs). The lack of trained psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists and social workers presents a serious challenge for mental healthcare service delivery. Overall, only 320 hospital beds in the public and private sector are available for people suffering from mental health problems. Services for people with disabilities are provided by international and national NGOs. Afghanistan supports the rolling out of integrated mental health services in BPHS/EPHS, including substance use prevention and treatment. We also wish to see monitoring and supervision of mental health services and activities by BPHS implementers. Developing mental health materials will increase community awareness of mental health problems.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Madison Marucci
School: Mattawan High School

Described by the World Health Organization, health is not only physical stability and lack of illness, but also mental and social well-being. This being said, mental health is a vital component of many people’s functioning, everyday lives; however, a large portion of people with mental health complications do not receive treatment, or treatment is not adequate, for their conditions. In Algeria, although they have several pieces of legislation that address mental health, the implementation of these pieces remain unsatisfactory and do not meet healthcare providers needs. The effects of mental health disorders seen on the country of Algeria, it is evident that we need to devise a system or piece of legislation that addresses and follows through with the wholesome treatment of healthcare. Amendment of the current mental health law is required to supplement the delivery of care and also to protect those with a mental disorder. Thus, we refuse to comply with any piece that increases the amount of people that are affected by their mental health condition or any piece that does not address the problem.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Griffin Ransom
School: Williamston High School

Mental health affects many people throughout the world, but not everyone is getting the treatment that they need. Many healthcare systems are not adequately equipped to handle the needs of the populations they serve, some people cannot even receive a diagnosis for their mental health condition. Another problem is that some countries do not even have enough mental health workers to treat patients with mental health problems. Citizens throughout the world experience childhood trauma, and exposure to violence which can have effects on mental health. One of the most common mental health disorders is depression, a prediction by the World Health Organization is that depression will be the most common disease by 2030. Mental Health should be a concern, because it affects the lives of many people, most of which are negative. In the most recent years Belgium has relied on institutional psychiatric care to treat people with mental health and neurological disorders. The Belgian health authorities gradually established multidisciplinary outreach teams in most Belgian regions. The teams take action by providing people with mental health conditions, who traditionally would have been hospitalized, the opportunity to choose where they wish to receive treatment and care. The care and treatment by these teams have proven to prevent long term hospitalization. another innovative response that Belgium takes toward mental health is that they allow patients to be treated in their home environments. This aspect of flexibility in treatments and treatment locations is a key aspect of the Belgian mental health system All the countries that are involved within the WHO committee set a large goal known as the “Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013-2020”. The four main actions of the plan are to strengthen effective leadership and governance for mental health, strengthen information systems, evidence and research for mental health, implement strategies for promotion and prevention in mental health, and finally they want to provide comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health and social care services in community-based settings.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Bolivia
Delegate Name: Hannah Johnson
School: Vicksburg High School

Mental illnesses has been long known, showing research pointing all the way back to the time of the Greeks. Up until 1883 when a German psychiatrist Emil Kräpelin, centered around a pattern of mental health symptoms. In Latin America, Bolivia has one of the lowest incomes along with it having the highest native presence in Latin American. In 2015, Bolivia created and put into action, a universal healthcare system. It was initiated to promote, prevent, rehabilitate, and treat sources of mental health and the illnesses that followed. The impact of mental illnesses and the psychiatric morbidity in Bolivia is inadequate. The main causes of mental illnesses in Bolivia is substance abuse (30%). The consumption of alcoholic drinks is the leading, responsible factor for these admissions. Going along with, it has been a huge risk factor for domestic violence/abuse along with being a major cause of traffic deaths. In 2014, one out of two women in Bolivia had been affected by some form of abuse with their partner. Women in Bolivia has reported being physically abused, at a standing of 19%. While another 7% had reported being sexually abused by their spouse. Due to this and many other leading factors, suicide rates are disproportionately high in Bolivia shown by isolated studies. The amount of human resources in Bolivia are inadequately poor, along with chronic cases are the mainly focused service. In terms Bolivia’s goal is to have a budget guaranteed for just mental health; to be around $75,000 annually for the National Mental Health Program, Prevention, and Rehabilitation. While 45% is going to be put towards the operating expenses. The majority of resources are used for some mental facilities that are occupied with just a small fraction of people who need the treatment. Which signifies that these institutions offer little to no attention for the small portion of the people. The Bolivian Government is going to continue with their approached strategies in “task-shifting” along with the non-specialists should and will take all means to improve the mental healthcare in Bolivia.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Eva Talberg
School: Williamston High School

Globally, the lack of accessible mental health resources has become significantly more important. Recent studies have estimated that approximately one in four people will have experienced a mental illness at some point in their lives as a global average. Developing countries will have a higher likelihood of mental illness, and a lower rate of sufficient treatment. , over 40% of countries have no mental health policies implemented whatsoever, and over 30% do not have a mental health programs. 25% have no mental health legislation as well. These countries often directly correlate with higher rates of other health care issues. For the significance that mental health disorders have on a person, very little out of many countries budgets is spent on receding the populous number of peoples with these disorders. Some countries spend less than 0.5% of their budgets on eradicating mental illness. WHO must unify as a group and come up with a solution that can accomodate those who are harmed by a mental illness Brazil's government plays a very big role in ensuring effective health care for all of its citizens. In 2001, Brazil passed legislation stating that all Brazilian citizens would receive access to free healthcare, discrimination free. Brazil has a varying access to doctors and psychiatrists based on location in the country and wealth of cities versus suburbs. Saying this, in the Southern region of Brazil there are on average five psychiatrists per 100,000 citizens, while in the Northern region, there is on average only two. The beds, rooming and basic needs of those with severe mental illnesses are paid for and provided by the Brazilian government, as well as having the costs for treatment (including psychoanalytic drugs and talk therapy) covered by the government. CAPS treatment centers and facilities are applicable in Brazil for shorter term illnesses such as attempted suicide recovery victims, bipolar disorder patients, drug abuse patients, PTSD, and depression victims. Brazil has a practical and effective way of successfully treating those who suffer with a mental illness, and would like to work with countries who have similar policies in place, or are looking to improve their policies to a higher standard. One challenge that Brazil is facing is an unequal distribution of access to healthcare, and although it is equally offered, not all can travel to an area where it is available. Brazil would like to change this by encouraging more potential doctors to work in the psychiatric field, instead of moving already spread thin doctors in populous urban areas to rural or more potentially violent areas. This could be done by offering more pay to government employed doctors and social workers, or by encouraging them to enroll in public medical colleges, which is free to citizens of Brazil. Brazil could also increase the percentage of money spent on psychiatric addendums to 5%, as WHO recommends all countries do, but this may not be immediately possible for all sections of the large and populous country. Brazil would like to work on a resolution that helps to increase the amount of government spending on mental health and allows health care to be free and accessible to all, because it is the government's job to take care of its citizens.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Lauren Hicks
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Mental health is difficult to define and diagnose. The hard-to-distinguish disorders of the mind are crippling to patients and extremely important to the World Health Organization (WHO). 1.1 billion people worldwide had a mental health or substance abuse issue in 2016. Many of these disorders are caused by debt, death, divorce, or diabetes and are extremely common in countries that do not address mental health, therefore making it more likely to be stigmatized in their society. The United Nations Disability section of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs plans to help this cause by announcing that individuals with mental health conditions are extremely vulnerable and fall through the cracks of developmental aid and government support, especially in underfunded and corrupt countries. Thus, they call upon research foundations, governments, and society to focus their attention on mental health.

In Canada, in 2013, there were 6.7 million people living with a mental health condition. Since the community of mental health community makes up 19.06% of our population, Canada is extremely determined to expand mental health awareness throughout our country and to other countries in order to increase the accessibility to care that is necessary for the wellbeing of patients. Canada’s initiative, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), strengthens the relationship between mental health patients, mental facilities, and government policymakers to call for and adjust legislation based on necessity of mental healthcare. Bridging the gap between government and mental illness can benefit those who feel ashamed of their condition by decreasing the negative stereotype of those with mental illness through giving them a voice in their government. Canada supports the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Disability section by creating the CMHA and supports and funds the World Health Organization in pursuit of expanding mental health resources worldwide.

Canada asks for the international implementation of programs similar to the CMHA to combine awareness for mental health and governmental policy, so that not only essential mental health resources will be distributed, but also mental health will be destigmatized in countries that cannot afford treatment or resources to support the mentally inept. We, Canada, call on other countries to address mental health conditions by funding mental health institutes, facilities, and education for all citizens around the world. As well as, supporting and funding the WHO and United Nations Disability Section of the Economic and Social Affairs chapter to change the view of mental health and to help all in your own country and worldwide.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Chile
Delegate Name: Peter Giftos
School: Roeper School

Mental health disabilities are a growing trend throughout the world, affecting millions of people globally. The need to provide treatment and care to people with mental health issues is urgent and must not be ignored. Chile has engulfed itself into the national mental health plan of 2000, which has improved the mental health care towards our citizens. Approximately one third of Chile’s population has had a lifetime mental disorder, and 60% of the population did not receive treatment. The country of Chile has practiced workshops in order to advocate for disabled peoples rights, which deemed a successful practice and was a contribution to Chile’s health commission approving equal rights for disabled people. Recently Chile has installed community mental health centers which have helped in relation to coordination with primary care, and will continue to care for citizens with mental illnesses. Solution Organizations, such as Nations for Mental Health, exemplify substantial treatment towards people with mental health issues. Some ways that nations can expand their resources is through community treatment, integrating mental health education into institutions, raising awareness of mental health and their effects, and integrating mental health with primary care. Nations must prioritize people who are in immediate danger due to their mental illness, and shall provide the appropriate resources that will aid them. Also, countries shall share information with different countries in order to educate and support them. Not only should severe cases of mental health be acknowledged, but the wellness of all citizens shall be adapted as a priority in their society. Works Cited Breitinger, Scott. “3 Ways to Improve Mental Health Care beyond Adding More Psychiatrists.” STAT, STAT, 19 Apr. 2018, www.statnews.com/2018/04/20/expand-access-mental-health-care/.

“CHILE.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 8 Dec. 2010, www.who.int/mental_health/policy/country/chile/en/.

“Mental Health.” Google Books, 2005, books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=EWE0DgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=expanding%2Bmental%2Bhealth%2Bresources%2Bsolutions&ots=62G6SVZFim&sig=pdMlbgFZSR-yjAJ6GPUHCFCcc9E#v=onepage&q=expanding%20mental%20health%20resources%20solutions&f=false.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: China
Delegate Name: Fernando Perez
School: Instituto Educativo Olinca

Approximately 450 million people alive today suffer from mental or behavioural disorders or from psychosocial problems in their lives around the world. As a result of this, a vast part of the population isn’t mentally fit to continue working proactively as a productor of society. These people do not, of course, live healthy and actively. They are more propense to not fulfilling their work, incorrect behaviour, inactive socializing, and more characteristics which can make the life of the population unpleasant and depressing.

The People's Republic of China is concerned about the way of life of its population and has implemented various social and economic measures to increase the mental health education in the country.

In the past decade China has decisively supported the economic sector in the mental health services. In addition to this in 2013 China implemented The Mental Health Law of the People’s Republic of China, which was updated in June 2018; such law promotes the health of the citizens and supports the rights of the patients. In support of this regulation, China also updated The National Planning Guideline for the Healthcare Service System, in which the treatment of patients with serious mental health disorders is promoted as well as the improvement of mental health services and programs, and the expansion of mental health education.

Such measurements have expanded the mental health education, which is destroying the cultural ignorance of the public, increasing attendance of the population to the mental health facilities and systems. It has engrossed the number of psychiatrist’s licensings all around China, thus developing the capacities to take care of patients in grave health conditions. All of this leads to the improvement in quality of mental health and the increasing rate of production in this sector to work hand in hand with China’s people to develop a mentally healthy society.

China is investing in research and analysis to achieve proper satisfaction of the mental health needs to become a well-being country.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Delegate Name: Audrey Wong
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Mental health is a universal problem, with about one in four people worldwide suffering from a mental illness at one time or another. We are actively trying to expand our national resources. All of our people, including children and elderly, are aware of mental health. In our country, about 7.4 people of all ages out of 100,000 people commit suicide. Our government is the main source of funding for severe mental disorders. We only have about 0.4 mental health workers per every 100,000 people. We will work to increase that number. Mental health is specifically mentioned in our general health policy. These include timelines for the implementation of the mental health plan, funding allocation for the implementation of half or more of the items in the mental health plan, shift of services and resources from mental hospitals to community mental health facilities, and integration of mental health services into primary care. We are still working to educate more people to be able to assist people with mental problems and be able to prescribe them medication or therapy. We encourage more countries to try to assist their people and provide care for them. If they have the funding, they should put more forward to mental health resources. They could also encourage the pathway of a mental health doctor to students currently in school and looking for a pathway to pursue. This would provide more psychiatrists and mental health workers to provide for people with mental health problems or disorders. We will also try to expand our resources and educate more of our younger generation to accept the problem of mental health and will encourage them to consider this pathway in life.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Emma Erlenbeck
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Current statistics from the World Health Organization show that one in four people will experience mental illness at some point in their lives and that there are 450 million people currently affected. Despite the commonality of it, there is still a negative stigma and a pattern of discrimination towards those with mental illnesses. In a study conducted by The National Institute of Mental Health in the Czech Republic Czechs were asked if there were certain groups of people that Czechs would not want to be neighbors, those with mental illnesses were the fourth most common answer, behind only those with a drug addiction, alcohol dependency, or criminal history. In 2015 650,566 Czechs were treated in psychiatric surgeries, which is an almost eight percent increase from 2013. However Miroslava Janoušková, a representative of The National Institute of Mental Health, believes that many people are afraid to speak about their mental health problems and seek help. This worsening problems affects those all over the world.

Although some mental illnesses such as depression are more widely accepted, others are still looked down upon or feared. Among the most stigmatized are schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There is no officially approved policy in the Czech Republic regarding mental health treatment or awareness for it. However, health promotion as well as prevention of disorders are covered under ¨Longtime programme of health improvement of Czech population –Health for all in 21st century" This program works with the Czech Association for Mental Health to create policies that improve upon attitudes towards mental illnesses. Although there are no official government policies, there are organizations working to erase the stigma around mental illnesses. One such is the previously mentioned National Institute of Mental Health. They launched a campaign where people can hear stories of those affected by mental illnesses to see them as more human. Organizations such as this one do not have the funding for international campaigns. There are no government officials who have statements on the issue of mental health awareness. The Czech Republic is a part of the World Health Organization and is currently working with other countries to try to find ways to better mental health awareness. The Czech Republic has also supported the United Nations in their efforts to support those with mental illnesses. The “Sustainable Development Agenda” enacted in 2015 includes mental health treatment and awareness.

The Czech Republic proposes that more campaigns be launched to familiarize people with mental illnesses. They have seen positive results from the programs their organizations have conducted. They suggest that social media be used as a platform to share stories and humanize those dealing with mental illnesses. The Czech Republic wishes to use tactics such as this one to erase the stigma around mental illnesses. This will end the vicious cycles currently dealt with and will erase any fear of those suffering with mental illnesses to seek help. In erasing the stigmas surrounding mental illnesses more people will pursue careers in the field, and healthcare will improve. The Czech Republic recognizes the vicious cycle surrounding mental health and how the improvement starts with erasing the stigma.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Robert Janes
School: East Grand Rapids High School

Mental Health is an issue all across the world. In Egypt, most of our funding towards mental health goes to larger physiatric hospitals. Even though there are large hospitals dedicated to helping those with mental health issues, it still isn’t enough. Quite often there is not any room in the hospitals, as more than half the capacity of the hospitals is filled with long-stay patients. Egypt realizes that mental health is an issue not very easy to address, as it is quite often hard to spot mental health issues. Egypt also realizes that historically mental health has not been viewed as an issue, and would like this to change. Combating mental health is quite the task. Egypt would urge the WHO to continue to support the WHO Mental Health Action Plan as it is a step in the right direction. Egypt would also like to see more resources devoted to normalizing mental health care. As of now, mental health care is still seen as a specialized sector, but Egypt realizes that the integration of mental health care into normal health care will be quite beneficial. Egypt hopes that member nations of the WHO will be able to realize that mental health care is quite a pressing issue and would treat it as such. Egypt hopes that WHO will be able to pass a resolution that would expand the resources going towards mental health care, and the training of mental health care specialists. If both of these actions are taking it would be quite beneficial to the global community, as mental health can affect anyone and is not a regional issue.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: El Salvador
Delegate Name: Medhanie Frezghi
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

One in four people in the world will experience some form of a mental health condition in their lifetime in both chronic and debilitating forms. Due to the lack of money and education, the provision of mental health resources remains inadequate in many countries around the world. Many healthcare systems around the world are not equipped with the resources and education to provide health care to their populations such as qualified psychiatrists and specialists in mental health care. Poor education can lead to poor health outcomes, and a lack of mental health facilities is common in many low-income countries. While high-income countries have an average of 50 mental healthcare workers per 100,000 people, low-income countries have an average of less than one per 100,000 (Mental Health Atlas).

As a low-income country, El Salvador has limited mental health resources. The suicide rate for males in El Salvador is 10.2 per 100,000 people, and for females, the suicide rate is 3.7 per 100,000 people. In El Salvador, neuropsychiatric disorders are estimated to contribute to 19.8% of the global burden of disease (World Health Organization, 2018). A mental health plan does not exist in El Salvador and the population suffers greatly from a lack of resources. In total suicide rates in El Salvador is about 13.6 people per 100,000 in the population. In El Salvador, only about 7.1 people per 100,000 work as mental health workers. In El Salvador there exists a Mental health awareness/prevention program targeted for adolescents and there also exists a violence prevention program for all ages.

To combat the lack of mental health resources in El Salvador, El Salvador suggests increased funds from the United Nations in order to increase education and resources for the mentally unhealthy. El Salvador will take measures in turn to increase mental health awareness. With the added effect of awareness, mental health resources and understanding in El Salvador will have a parallel benefit to doctors and patients of mental health. A resolution that calls for increased education and mental health faculty in El Salvador will greatly benefit this country and other countries bordering.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Ethiopia
Delegate Name: Alex Padfield
School: Royal Oak High School

Incredibly stigmatized and difficult to obtain in almost any capacity, mental health resources remain imperative to many. Not only does a lack of mental health specialists outside large cities exist, the low quality of services provided for neurological disorders is persistent. Additionally, those who suffer from mental illness often face substantial discrimination, which is why expanding mental health resources must be, to some extent, viewed in the context of a human rights issue in addition to a health issue. Confronting this low availability of resources and doctoring a cohesive solution to combat said issues is the task of this committee.

Ethiopia commends the exponential increase in efforts made by the global community to advance the discourse surrounding mental illness in order to proliferate health resources specific to mental health. Ethiopia has been steadily improving its mental health resources, and has subsequently encountered the following questions pertinent to the issue of expanding mental health resources. To what degree should this issue be viewed in the context of a human rights issue? How can mental health infrastructure become a part of communities without carrying a heavy economic burden? How can it be ensured that mental health services remain up-to-date and consistently well-promoted? How can it be ensured that mental health specialists exist in regions other than solely modernized, large cities, without exposing economies to vulnerability?

A concrete resolution will tackle the aforementioned issues in a holistic, constructive manner. A resolution should primarily guarantee the development of integrated mental health services at all levels of health care systems. In addition to this, obtaining proper mental health services shall be encouraged, but shall remain voluntary, in order to promote awareness of current availability in terms of mental illness. Another top priority should be expansion and development of health-related infrastructure, consisting of, but not limited to, outpatient facilities, inpatient facilities, and psychiatric institutions. These facilities shall be extended to regions that have previously possessed little to no health care resources. As a nation, Ethiopia has made great advances in the field of infrastructure, and sees this as a chief piece of any resolution created. Community-based and individual-centered services/supports that do not yield overmedicalization shall also be established in order to respect human autonomy and human will. Lastly, a human rights perspective shall be integrated into mental health and community services in order to allow the economic, social, and environmental determinants of health to be analyzed. These measures shall create the expansion of mental health resources and will begin to contribute to the erasure of stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.

It is the goal of the World Health organization to formulate solutions to global barriers to obtaining mental health resources. Working together and enforcing necessary means, a comprehensive resolution can be achieved. The delegation of Ethiopia looks forward to working with fellow nations to resolve the issue at hand.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Xochitl Robertson-Rosas
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

The current situation surrounding the limited access to much needed health care services is dire. Too many are left without the ability to get the proper care they need. This is disturbing and needs to be addressed promptly as it is too easy to turn a blind eye on a situation that requires the utmost level of cooperation and investment in time and recourses. The delegation of Germany has put high importance in ensuring that its citizens have proper access to heal care and such related services through its mandate of universal health insurance for all of its citizens and permanent residents. To face the global issue of access to health services, the delegation of Germany believes the encouragement of education in medicine and the medical field is needed in order to boost the number of available medical personnel, specialized and otherwise. In addition to this, the delegation of Germany believes that the IMF needs to be called upon to reapportion the economic recourses provided in investments to infrastructure and economic development towards health services and education.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Lily Somers
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Mental Health is a fundamental and integral aspect of wellness, as it can affect an individual’s quality of life, physical well-being, and economic productivity. Mental disorders are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide, with around 450 million people currently suffering as a result. These individuals are often stigmatized in society causing hesitation for the introduction of mental health clinics and programs in many communities. Although the impact of mental disorders varies among nations, untreated mental diseases can come at a great cost to society. A 2001 study, conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), estimated that citizens’ mental health issues cost nations between three and four percent of their gross national product (GNP).When accounting for mental disease expenditures and loss of financial security, the WHO estimated that mental illness lost national economies several billion dollars annually. With such major repercussions, many nations, including Greece, have issued mental health legislation to help both protect the well-being of their citizens and finances.

Over the last 30 years Greece has made a notable effort to modernize its legislation regarding mental health. Greece has authorized an official mental health policy as a response to the worldwide mental health crisis. The policy emphasizes the development of community networks, in the hope that citizens will seek treatment, with a goal of reducing the average hospitalization by at least 40%. Development and the modernization of Psychological Health services, Law 2716/1999, defines that the state has the responsibility to provide psychological health services aiming at “prevention, diagnosis, therapy, treatment as well as psychosocial rehabilitation and social reintegration of adults, children and youths with psychological disorders and disorders of the autistic spectrum as well as with learning problems.” This act also insures the rights of the mentally ill, including the right to tailored treatment, to communicate directly with a lawyer, to dispute hospitalization in the court, to protect property, and to be given full access to medical files. Greece has also taken charge on the reforming of psychiatric hospitals with the process of deinstitutionalization, in which hospitals are replaced with less isolated community mental health services. A significant number of community mental health services have been established, leading to improving standards of care.

Greece continues to advocate for and support efforts to expand mental health resources and rights of the mentally-ill. As evidence to our signature on the Human Rights Council’s (HRC) resolution for Mental Health and Human Rights during the thirty-sixth session in September 2017, in which it was reaffirmed that the stigma behind mental health is cause for deep concern, and that we are convinced to create supportive dialogue regarding mental health along with building awareness for the subject. Greece intends to further increase access to treatments, and to promote awareness of mental illness. Greece urges WHO to encourage the deinstitutionalization of psychiatric hospitals, creating improved alternatives for the ill to seek help through community services. We also implore WHO to consider a campaign aimed at removing the shame around mental health issues, and providing comfort to those suffering. Greece believes that mentally healthy citizens contribute to a well-functioning nation, and will persistently work towards better programs to encourage it.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Guyana
Delegate Name: Liv Jackson
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

Mental health is taken very seriously here in Guyana. Guyana’s position on mental health is that awareness should be nationwide and injected into the school system. With deaths by suicide at 44.2%, actions must be taken very seriously and immediately. Guyana. Actions currently taken by Guyana is a signed law that has made attempted suicide illegal and punished by jail time. Guyana believes that suicide is murder and attempted suicide is attempted murder. We have increased our mental health professionals up tp 27 in 2014 which has increased from 4. If a citizen who feels the urge to commit suicide they spend on average of 5+ years in a psychiatric hospital. Guyana’s suggested course of action is to incorporate mental health into school systems and increase our psychiatric professionals. Most suicides in our country are by available chemicals so we must decrease access to these lethal chemicals. Awareness is extremely needed in Guyana.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: India
Delegate Name: Katherine Mooney
School: Royal Oak High School

The World Health Organization defines health as “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” we must continue to consider the advancements of mental health resources. As it currently stands the pace at which mental health research is advancing is too slow and needs to improve. As research and development of mental health resources improve links to physical and other health issues will advance as well. Once again our committee has several questions we must consider. How can we define “mental illness”? How can the process of diagnosis be improved? What are viable treatment methods? Can we improve training of care providers? Each of these questions lead to needed development of policies and programs. It is crucial that the international community takes a role in expanding mental health resources. India needs to see a comprehensive resolution pushing for further research into mental health. Including research into diagnose, links to physical health, and further treatment methods. India urges other countries to take into consideration the inequalities seen in the field of mental health. Particularly in regards to diagnose and availability of treatment. Every patient affected by mental illness must have available treatment. Our committee must also take into account the barriers currently seen in mental health. Public health programs in many nations do not hold mental health as a priority. In part it is due to funding. Using international bank funds our committee may be able to put together a method of funding to further public health agencies. For countries lacking public programs there has to be a development of said programs. The availability of care is severely lacking in many underdeveloped countries. Programs and clinics similar to many NGOs can be formed and deployed to assist low income countries. For clinics such as these we have to consider the lack of trained professionals in the field of mental health. We must consider that training can be advanced further. The last barrier that has to be looked into is the existing stigma surrounding mental health in many countries.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Barry Crown
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Throughout the past couple of decades, modern medicine, along with well trained doctors has become significantly more accessible to the public. This accessibility along with modern medicine growing more effective against diseases and the improved practices of doctors the world has become a healthier and safer place. Despite this triumph for humanity one area in the medical world has had little improvements, especially with ¼ people suffering from it. This area which Indonesia is trying to combat is the complex science of mental health. Indonesia has worked to spread awareness for cures and institutions to help people struggling with mental health problem. However the few professionals in the country that we have aren't enough to care for the amount of people who struggle with this problem in Indonesia. Representing Indonesia and hoping to help are population along with the world are looking to pass a solution that will help educate and spread awareness to people in countries that aren't able to provide the necessary help the their citizens need and deserve. We must find a way to quell this issue and make it a problem of the past.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Molly Bowling
School: Williamston High School

Mental illness can be defined as disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. They are debilitating and can be hard for the person infected to understand what it is or how to deal with it. As members of the World Health Organizaton committee it is our job to help expand resources for mental health patients everywhere. One in four people will be affected by a mental illness at some point in their life and around 450 million people currently suffer from such illness. These numbers make mental illness among the leading cause of disease and disability in the world. Yes, treatments are available but nearly two-thirds of people never seek help. More than 40% of countries have no mental policy and over 30% do not have a mental health programme. Around 25% of countries have no mental health legislation. Currently, more than 33% of countries put less than 1% of their health budget towards mental health. There is only one psychiatrist per 100,000 people in over half of the countries in the world. Like most treatment options, the poor bear the greater burden of mental disorders. This is because of the lack of affordable treatment makes it impossible to recieve treatment which then makes the illness more severe and debilitating. As a whole, we must work together to break this detrimental cycle and make treatment easy to obtain and affordable Israel recognizes the major issue presented by mental health and hopes to work to find solutions. Israel also wants to find ways to remove the stigma around the mental health system. Treatments are present but for most, difficult to grab hold of. Only one third of Israeli respondents knew where a mental health treatment facility was located near them. There are multiple facilities around to help those in need, the problem is getting those who need hep aware that they are able to seek treatment. Enosh is a major mental health association located in Israel. It was established in 1978 and it currently runs more than 60 service centers across the country. Unfortunately they only have 700 health professionals and this is considered the largest in Israel. The overburdened local welfare departments often turn away those with mental health issues and refer them to the Health Ministry Obtaining services from the Health Ministry is often very difficult, especially for those that are struggling financially. Many people do not even try to apply for help because the process is so long and complex. Furthermore, Israel would like to create a proper resolution that makes mental healthcare have easier access and more affordable for all. One solution that Israel would like to add to a resolution is to provide more schooling for psychiatrists to provide clinics with more well educated doctors. This would make treatment more reliable for those receiving treatment options. There would also be more doctors available to help in clinics and organizations. Another solution Israel hopes to implement is making the healthcare more affordable by introducing more free clinics in areas that are more plagued by financial hardships. This would allow easy affordable access for many who would not have been able to secure it before. It would also make the task of receiving treatment less daunting than before. A final solution Israel would like to add to a resolution is making the treatment facilities more accessible by introducing treatment facilities in more populated places and use advertisements to make more people aware of the facilities. This would allow for patients to realize that treatment is there for them and easy to get to. It would also make more people seek treatment since they know that it is readily available to them. Hopefully we can come together to write a resolution that meets the needs of those struggling with mental illness. By adding just one of these solutions to a resolution we can make treatment more affordable and easier to get to for all.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Olivia Miller
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes total health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This organization acknowledges mental health and is working on improving the mental health of individuals and society at large, which includes “the promotion of mental well-being, the prevention of mental disorders, the protection of human rights, and the care of people affected by mental disorders.” One in four people in the world are affected by mental or neurological disorders in their lives, and around 450 million people currently suffer from these conditions. This places mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. As treatments are available, around two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional. WHO is working to break the cycle and allow governments to find solutions for mental health that are already available and affordable. The organization believes that governments should move away from large mental institutions and towards community health care in order to integrate mental health care into primary health care and the general health care system.

Italy has a similar view in that we want to get rid of the specific psychiatric hospitals. Basaglia Law (Law 180) is the Italian Mental Health Act of 1978 which represented a reform of the psychiatric system in Italy. It declared the closing down of all psychiatric hospitals in Italy and led to their gradual replacement with community-based services, like in-patient care. In Italy, regulations on prescription medication authorize primary health care doctors to prescribe and to continue prescription of psychotherapeutic medicines, however the Department of Health does not authorize primary health care nurses to prescribe or to continue prescription of psychotherapeutic medicines. The Official Policy does not permit primary health care nurses to independently diagnose and treat mental disorders within the primary care system either. There is no national data on official in-service training on mental health for primary health care doctors and nurses within the last five years or information on the availability of officially approved manuals on the management and treatment of mental disorders in the majority of primary health care clinics. There is an open access to all levels of care, and referrals are based on individual care programs.

Italy, along with Germany, France, Spain, and others, urges the international committee to acknowledge that patients with mental disorders have the right to be treated the same way as patients with other diseases. This means that acute mental health conditions have to be managed in psychiatric wards located in general hospitals. Also, treatments should be provided on a voluntary basis, with compulsory admissions reserved for specific circumstances. Mandatory admissions are to be formally authorized by the Mayor and can only be undertaken in general hospital psychiatric wards. Also, Italy recommends to WHO that new community-based services should be established to provide mental health care to the population of a given area. Lastly, Italy asks the international community to support the gradual closure of public mental hospitals by blocking all new admissions and promoting the new community services for treatment. With these suggestions, Italy hopes to expand the mental health resources available for citizens while also decreasing the stigma of the disease and the amount of psychiatric hospitals still available.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Max VanderMei
School: Vicksburg High School

Mental Health is a somewhat new problem on the world stage. Of course it always existed,but it has never been dealt with or even really discovered. Instead of “crazy” or “mad” we can give more detail and say “Schizophrenic” or “Bipolar” And more than that, the modern world can more aptly deal with them. The medical community now includes therapists and psychologists in its ranks. Japan and many nations around the world have had many problems with mental health though, mostly caused by citizens not getting the help they need. Although it is difficult to cure, as the human mind is complex and intricate, the treatments are very effective. The biggest problem with mental health derives from the stigmatisation of mental health disorders. Many Japanese citizens don’t use the resources available out of shame or ignorance. The State of Japan urges nations to fund awareness programs and encourage their citizens to see a psychologist or therapist to either get treated or find out if they have a disorder. There is another problem though, the inefficiency and lack of training of healthcare workers prevents many from accessing the care they need.Japan urges the World Health Organization to fund 2nd and 3rd world nations so they can afford to have mental health programs of their own. The developed nations of the world must also better fund their mental health programs and provide incentive to enter the mental health industry.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Kuwait
Delegate Name: Nicholas Stoll
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Mental health is a problem that affects an estimated one in four of all people. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Although mental well-being is listed in their definition of health resources are not adequetly suplied for those with mental health issues. People with mental health problems often recieve little treatment or are not fully treated. In arabic countries like Kuwait, a stigma remains surrounding mental health issues. Individuals prefer to seek religious help rather than seek medical help when it comes to mental issues. This avoidence of treatment is a major reason why Kuwait cares about this subject.

Kuwait has depression. Or, as may be more correct, its people have depression. Of the four million people who live in Kuwait, over 200,00 have diagnosed depression according to . That is one twentieth or 5% of the population. Another one million Kuwatis may have some form of this mental disease reported the Kuwait Ministry of Health. Many of these people turn to religion instead of professional help, or they seek refuse in the temporay relief provided by drugs. So, Kuwait can no longer Kuwait for an expanse of mental health resources. Kuwait recently built the Kuwait Center for Mental Health, which is attempting to end the stigma surrounding mental health problems in the Arabic world through campaigns and their facebook page. Kuwait has been working with WHO in oreder to help its people with its mental health woes.

Kuwait would love to see other countries work towards ending the stigma around mental health problems in order to help people feel more comfortable in seeking treatment. Also, kuwait would hope to see an expansion of resources and centers for affected persons. Kuwait especially looks toward other Arabic countries to help in this cause because their culture has in the past been very weary of accepting mental health issues. Kuwait thinks that is time to stop Kuwaiting around to inform the public of the dangers of mental health problems, and believes that mental health is just as serious an issue as bodily health.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Thomas Westrick
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Mental health resources are unevenly distributed in the world. In upper income countries, 35-50% of people with mental health disorders get treated while only 15-24% of these people in lower income countries get treatment. In many of these lower income countries, mental health resources are scarce because of a lack of specialized mental health providers and an inadequacy in the education of those who currently treat mental health disorders. To fight this mental health resource gap, WHO created two tools to guide health workers (not specialized in mental health) in their decisions: the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) and the Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) in 2010. This has been effective to some extent, but WHO’s 2014 Mental Health Atlas still reveals that higher income countries have on average, at least 50 times more mental health workers than lower income countries have.

In Mexico, our suicide rate [a]is 6.8 per 100,000 for men and 1.3 per 100,000 for women. 6.4[b]% of Mexico suffers from depression which is the main cause of loss of healthy years of life in Mexicans. Alcoholism and schizophrenia are also big problems (2.5% and 2.1% of our population suffer from them, respectively). In response to these problems, our government has put greater emphasis on mental health over the last twenty years. In 2002, we began to follow a “New Model of Care for Mental Health” to eliminate any human rights violations that may have been caused by our previous system. In 2014, our government created the Secretariado Técnico del Consejo Nacional de Salud Mental (STCONAME) to establish our public policies and strategies to fight mental health disorders. More recently, over the last five years, we have implemented the Miguel Hidalgo’s Model for Mental Health, which focuses on the prevention of mental disorders, with the aim of increasing early diagnoses, increasing quality and decreasing cost of care. However, our system faces two central problems. First, we lack professionals that are specialized in treating and diagnosing these diseases. Second, the initiatives we do make often face budget constraints that limit our initiatives’ effectiveness.

[c] The solution to both these problems lie in funding. But since many mental health problems can be traced back to economic insecurity, so it would be unreasonable to further agitate our populace with taxes in order to solve their problems. If we as a collective of nations are truly serious about expanding mental health resources, then first world countries should fund effective programs for educating healthcare professionals on mental health. Another possibility is funding for subsidizing the incomes of mental health professionals to make it a more lucrative field. Subsidies would increase the number of mental health care professionals and allow these professionals to charge lower costs for the patient, whose problems may be caused by economic distress. However, there exist more effective solutions. Many mental health disorders are caused by stress in the patient’s lives. In Mexico, for example, social unrest caused by drug wars and the economic crisis of 2008 caused an increase in mental health problems.[d] Fixing and alleviating these underlying causes would be a better allocation of resources than trying to expand resources to fit every single person.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Moldova
Delegate Name: Alexa Banning
School: Williamston High School

Mental health is something continuously mentioned every day, who has not heard about it? Yet, the resources to aid these health issues are very minimal. Some of the mental disorders have become so terrible that they can be referred to as disabilities, but the accommodations still are not taking place. One of the major factors contributing to this problem is not having qualified mental health care specialists and physiatrists. Another very big issue is that those, even those who are not mental health specialists do not receiving training. If these individuals would receive the training they would have the ability to aid those with mental health problems. The main objective of the WHO committee should be to expand the resources to those with these different mental health issues. The Republic of Moldova is continuing to reform their mental health resources to the best of their abilities. They are working just as diligently as the next nation to prevent this issue from continuously repeating itself. Similar to other nations, they suffer from having inadequate resources for those with mental health issues. There are currently no funds that are going towards Moldova for mental health, but starting one is definitly a realistic goal. The reason for there being no funds is that mental health disorders accounts for about 14% of worldwide diseases. Because of these statistics the amount of funding that they have is not a large amount. The Movement for Global Mental Health (MGHM) is a program that alerts others of the struggle of those with mental health issues and to also improve their services. The two main fundamentals of the program are scientific evidence and human rights. The Republic of Moldova believes that this problem can be assisted and become closer to being solved through multiple aspects. Some of the ways that Moldova believes the mental health issue can be solved are through governmental ministries, international donors, governmental and intergovernmental agencies must strengthening their data-collection and monitoring mechanisms, and national and international stakeholders in health research.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Rosalyn Li
School: Roeper School

One in four people worldwide will be affected by mental disorders at some point in their lives. Around 450 million people currently suffer from mental disorders, making mental disorders the leading cause of ill-health and disability. Treatment is available, but nearly two-thirds of people with a known disorder never seek help due to stigma, discrimination, and neglect. The neglect causes no understanding, leading to more neglect. In addition, many healthcare systems are not adequately equipped to handle the needs of the populations they serve. One obstacle is having too few psychiatrists and specialists. WHO explains that the responsibility for action lies with the government. More than 40% of countries have no mental health policy and over 30% have no mental health program. Currently, more than 33% of countries spend less than 1% of their total health budgets to mental health, and another 33% spends only 1%. Discrimination, childhood trauma, and exposure to violence can have detrimental effects on mental health. Also, the poor often bear the greater burden of mental disorders, in both risk and lack of access to treatment.

The Netherlands is one of the few OECD countries that has implemented payment systems to promote and incentivize integrated care related to mental disorders. The country has made progress in outcome-based mental health care pricing and reform. However, there are still rising suicide rates, high productivity losses, and high depression-related burdens. While other OECD countries have seen an average suicide rate falling, the Netherlands has seen a reversal of this trend, with an increase of 1.1% from 2000 to 2011. Mental disorders account for 12 million sick days, costing EUR 2.7 billion per year. Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care (GGZ Nederland) is a sector organization of specialist in mental health and addiction care providers in the Netherlands. The aim of the organization to ensure the availability of high quality, accessible, and affordable mental health care. The providers offer counseling, treatment, and support to people with different disorders. There are many options to someone suffering from a mental disorder in the Netherlands, such as therapy, group therapy, hospitalization, and drugs. However, data shows that the patients that suffer from a mental disorder are much less likely to receive medical help compared to those with physical health problems. The Dutch study shows that almost half of patients with psychiatric illnesses are concerned about the high costs of their treatment, while only 30% of patients with physical illnesses expressed the same worry.

There are steps to combating mental disorders. The first is to reduce stigma and discrimination against the disorders. The easiest way to battle those is to educate people as soon as they receive an education. Teaching people from a young age to recognize more common mental disorders will not only reduce stigma and discrimination, but will also open the discussion on treatments and identifications of mental disorders. Early identification is crucial because in man disorders a delay in treatment will massively decrease the probability of treating it. The second part is the actual treatment of the mental disorder. Many countries would lack in this part in two areas: the cost and the professionals. A possible solution to reduce costs but also increase specialists is the integrate mental health care into primary health care. Training primary care and general health care staff in the detection and treatment of common mental disorders could potentially help treatment greatly.

Sources: Dodds, Phoebe. "Psychiatric Healthcare in the Netherlands: A Hidden Crisis." The Holland Times, 5 Sept. 2017, www.hollandtimes.nl/articles/national/psychiatric-healthcare-in-the-the-netherlands-a-hidden-crisis/. Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care. GGZNEDERLAND, www.ggznederland.nl/pagina/english. "Mental Health Care in NL." XPAT, www.xpat.nl/expat-netherlands/health-care/mental-health-care-nl/. The Netherlands Has an Innovative Mental Health System, but High Bed Numbers Remain a Concern. OECD, www.oecd.org/els/health-systems/MMHC-Country-Press-Note-Netherlands.pdf. Prevention of Mental Disorders. World Health Organization, www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/en/prevention_of_mental_disorders_sr.pdf. "Principles of Care." World Health Organization, www.who.int/whr/2001/chapter3/en/index1.html. "A Reported Rise in Mental Illness in the Netherlands." DW, Deutsche Welle, www.dw.com/en/a-reported-rise-in-mental-illness-in-the-netherlands/a-18605998.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Connor Baney
School: Mattawan High School

Mental health has been a topic that’s been difficult to address historically. Before the Post Industrial era, mental health issues were approached with a harsh attitude. Research on these topics were seldomly researched in depth, and were often dealt with in an incorrect manner. In the present day, resources have become more available in regards to mental health. However, in countries deemed to be “3rd World” have limited mental health resources. World wide, mental health has been a prevailing problem, researches project that by 2020, mental health issues will affect up to 15% of the world population. In Nigeria, mental health issues affect between 20-30% of the population, much higher than the global average. According to mental health report conducted by the World Health Organization “Countries such as South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya have more psychiatrists per 100,000 persons and also have higher proportions of psychiatric beds. Also, many countries in Africa also give better official attention to mental health issues.” Nigeria has the highest population of any African nations at 190,632,261 which can be a cause of concern considering that it is difficult to address such a large population when the rate of physicians per 1000 is 0.38. Another issue that Nigeria needs to address is its lack of doctors known as the “Brain Drain” as many talented health officials leave the country in pursuit of greater economic opportunity. Considering that mental health is one of the more prevalent issues to address in Nigeria among others, solutions are desperately needed. One possible solution is to adopt more westernized solutions in regards to mental health. European countries such as Switzerland have been instrumental in setting precedent for healthcare for the mentally ill. Another solution is to offer greater incentive for promising doctors and other health officials to stay in Nigeria to provide greater mental healthcare and healthcare in general for its constituents.

Works cited: “Nigeria.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Nov. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria. “The World Factbook: NIGERIA.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 2 Nov. 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/geos/ni.html. Okpalauwaekwe, Udoka, et al. “Knowledge of and Attitude to Mental Illnesses in Nigeria: A Scoping Review.” Diet Therapy | List of High Impact Articles | PPts | Journals | Videos, IMedPub, 6 Mar. 2017, www.imedpub.com/articles/knowledge-of-and-attitude-to-mental-illnesses-in-nigeria-a-scoping-review.php?aid=18642.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Nadir Hamid
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Mental health awareness, although widely passed off in earlier times as unimportant, is increasing in today’s society. Pakistan recognizes the role mental health issues play in different problems and conflicts and believes it is relevant to the World Health Organization Committee. Recently in today's world society, The World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) became a new tool for collecting essential information on the mental health system of a country or region. The goal of collecting this information is to improve mental health systems and allow for monitoring change. Pakistan is recognized by this organization and apart from its own programs for mental awareness, looks to the committee and the UN to recognize the severity of this issue and come up with solutions that tackle the gist of the problem, whether it be with education or a funding programs that deal with this issue.

As The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, we suffer from this issue and believe that the most important way to deal with the issue is through the areas of education, service, and research related to mental health which relate to the patient population. As the journal from the Pakistan Medical Association states, “in Pakistan, from 1947 to 2005, almost 58 years have passed since the independence of the country and many countries with this age have done wonders in overall upkeep of health care and especially the mental health.” The challenge that we encounter now is that institutions whose focus is the subject of behavioral sciences particularly PMDC, are not being taken seriously. There have been low numbers of behavioral scientists, and there are no structured rotation programmes for senior medical students. This is where the United Nations and our committee comes in, giving countries who need guidance the proper path to attaining funds to progress these programs and resolve the issue.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan implores the UN, the security council, and all the countries who have resources available to expend for the purpose of attempting of aiding many who need financial resources in order to further their mental health programs. Besides just providing funds, instruction on how to use the funds should be given by countries able to do so. Mental Health is a very serious issue that if not addressed in this decade will be hard to address in the future of the UN. This committee has the ability to change this and begins with acknowledging the bridging issue along with determining where funds which are needed to create change will come from.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Reichel Zhang
School: Grand Rapids City High School

Peru is a strong advocate for mental health. It is a huge internal issue in Peru a 2012 reports has shown that one in five Peruvians are affected by mental health issues. Many disadvantaged groups in the nation are currently struggling with mental health. Peru is persistently trying to combat mental health disorders however such efforts are hindered by many internal problems such as poverty, political violence, and the pollution of water and air. Peru has limited time and resources to eradicate its problems therefore mental health disorders are hugely growing undiagnosed or untreated in the country right now. Unsolved mental health problems can lead to more suicides, violence, and crimes in the nation. It is important to Peru to make sure that its citizens are healthy and stable so that the country can finally achieve peace and economic stability.

Right now, the country allocates only 0.27 percent of its budget to mental health diseases and that is because of all the issues that are stopping the country from properly combating the issues. The situation in Peru has become alarmingly difficult and increasingly hard to solve. A 2011 report has found that in disadvantaged parts of the country, there is only 1.71 psychologists and 0.57 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants. Peru, however, has not given up and has created many new reforms and legislation that are working to improve the conditions yet even with all the reform it is unlikely the country will achieve substantial change in mental health diseases all alone. In fact, many international rulers have indicated support for the country’s urge in improving mental health conditions and provided aid to the country. Peru urges the United Nations’ World Health Organization to provide aid to Peru and the many other nations currently struggling with combating mental health diseases.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Vaishnavi Krishnan
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

While doctors have treated illness for centuries, only recently has the medical community shifted to include mental illness. Mental illness is common, as one in four people are expected to experience some form during their lives, and many do not receive the treatment they need. Maintaining good mental health is not only beneficial for individuals, but also society as a whole as individuals with good mental health promote prosocial behaviors and are able to contribute more to society. A 2010 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the global cost of mental illness to be nearly $2.5 trillion, with two-thirds of the cost being indirect and an expected increase to over $6 trillion by 2030. The World Mental Health survey initiative, created by the WHO in 1998, has inspired countries to redesign their mental health care systems to be more efficient and beneficial. The Philippines believes that the WHO must continue to improve accessibility to mental health services and increase knowledge, research, and training in mental healthcare so that mental illnesses can be prevented and treated.

The Philippines has enacted many measures to help promote mental healthiness. Under the Public Works Act 3258, the Philippines established the National Center for Mental Health in 1925, which contains both a hospital for treating patients and a special research training center for prospective mental healthcare workers. The second major institution for mental health is the Philippine Mental Health Association, with nine chapters across the Philippines and targeted centers for youth mental health as well as adult. Many hospitals across Philippines are also equipped to deal with mentally ill patients. The Philippines’ National Mental Health Program serves as the framework of the country’s mental health policy, which included increasing knowledge of mental health, expanding mental health care services and training, and supporting research on mental health. The Philippines also has laws in place to protect the rights of mentally ill individuals. The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (or Republic Act No. 7277) protects any interests regarding the employment, education, and health of those who suffer from mental illnesses, including requiring state universities to provide special education programs if needed. The WHO has also aided the Philippines in training and funding to help individuals struck by various disasters, like Typhoon Yolanda and Typhoon Ondoy.

The Philippines believes that the WHO should work to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illnesses, which can prevent those afflicted from seeking help and as a result can worsen their circumstances. The stigma can be reduced by increasing awareness of mental illnesses and emphasizing that mental illness can genuinely affect individuals the way other illnesses can. The Philippines also believes that mental health services must be made more accessible in general, but especially in rural areas, where individuals may not be aware or have access to existing services and stigmas against mental health tend to be greater. Additionally, the Philippines urges the WHO to launch campaigns to prevent abuse and violence as those exposed to such circumstances are more likely to experience mental health problems. Finally, the Philippines hopes that the WHO can help create programs to aptly train healthcare workers to treat mental illnesses as it requires a more nuanced approach. The Philippines believes these measures can help promote greater wellbeing.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Ella Satterthwaite
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Mental health issues have become a much more relevant threat to our global society today, prompting more support, scruitanization, and discourse than ever before. In addition to the many physical issues that continue to plague humanity , the detrimental effects of mental health problems are now being examined. According to WHO, an estimated 1 in 4 people have a mental health issue. The WHO promotes governmental action when it comes to mental health problems. Currently, over 40% of countries don’t have a mental health policy, 30% have no program, and about 25% have no legislation regarding it.

To combat these issues, Poland created the National Mental Health Promotion Programme in 1995. Regional health care programs continued to pop up after this. Poland currently has two functioning mental health programs which include the one mentioned prior, and the “National Programme or Prevention and Alcohol Problems Solving.” The general consensus on mental health policy in Poland is to promote good mental health, prevent issues, to treat, and to rehabilitate those with mental illnesses. As of 2010, the mental healthcare plan of Poland includes shifting resources from mental health hospitals into community mental health facilities, and bringing mental health into primary medical care. This would boost accessibility to mental health resources, making them more financially feasible. Obviously Poland supports the Sustainable Development Agenda proposed by the UN, one of the goals in the agenda being a more complete support for those with mental illness and drug abuse problems (Sustainable development 3/17).

To reiterate, Poland is a supporter of advances in mental health care, and has been a part of UN resolutions that advocate for improvement of mental health care. (such as in res. 46/119) Additionally, Poland promotes the relocation of psychiatric services into the general health care plan. Poland has made significant changes to better support its peoples mental wellbeing and hopes that other countries may be willing and able to do the same. In the future, more campaigns raising awareness and more funding to mental health resources will allow Poland, and the world, to continue the battle against mental health issues and the stigma that surrounds them.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Shira Haus
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

Recently, mental health has become one of the most prevalent discussions in the healthcare world. Around the world, mental illness is very common, and many do not receive adequate treatment. Taking care of citizens mentally as well as physically is important to ensure a productive, sustainable country. However, expansion of mental health resources is costly. In developing countries, 90% of people with mental health issues do not receive treatment due to their government’s lack of comprehensive healthcare policy and the high cost of implementation. Unequal distribution and access remains a problem in many countries, even those with mental health programs in place. The Russian Federation has a complicated history with mental health. Mental illness has traditionally been a low priority for government institutions, as economic struggles, wartime, and physical healthcare of citizens took precedence over mental healthcare. Russian citizens, especially men, struggle with mental health and seek care from the government. However, Russia has provided free, nationwide healthcare for its citizens since 1996. “On Psychiatric Care and Guarantees of Citizens' Rights during Its Provision” is a law that regulates psychiatric care in the Russian Federation. It applies not only to those with mental disorders, but to all citizens. The Russian Federation is deeply committed to improving the well-being of citizens struggling with mental illness. Russia has an incredibly high amount of alcohol consumption, one of the highest in the world. In 2010, the price of strong liquor nearly doubled in an effort to reduce alcohol consumption, which can lead to addiction, depression, and multiple physical health problems. On the international level, Russia is a part of BRICS, working with Brazil, India, China, and South Africa in healthcare (among other subjects). It expects to work closely with those countries in this committee. The Russian Federation, as part of BRICS, supports efforts of the WHO to provide greater infrastructure to affected communities. Unlike physical illness, mental illness is difficult to spot and even harder to diagnose. Screening for mental illness should be a top priority, funded by the WHO and carried out by domestic institutions. A large obstacle to comprehensive mental health reform is the availability of mental health resources. In many countries, expense of healthcare prevents citizens from being able to get the care they need. In these countries, lower-cost options to expensive healthcare should be available for those who need it. One of the main focal points of this committee should be the detrimental effects of mental illness, such as suicide, alcoholism, and lower productivity and motivation. Changing the mental healthcare system in individual countries is important, but the committee must be cautious in overstepping its boundaries. The Russian Federation would look favorably upon a resolution that allowed states to implement their own policy while aiding them with the resources they need to do so, and looks forward to finding solutions that work for everyone.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Navid Hasan
School: Grand Rapids City High School

Around 450 million people around the world are afflicted by some sort of mental illness. This substantial amount of people, implores us as a species to provide our fellow humans with the resources needed to look into and solve the problems afflicting these people. I we were to maintain good mental health within our nations, we would encourage productive workers, and our economies in turn, would start to grow in a more dramatic way. WHO estimates that a little under 800,000 people die by suicide a year. Even through the Mental Health Atlas of 2014, only a third of high income countries provide a national suicide prevention strategy while only 10 percent of low-middle income countries have reported having one. We must push these countries that haven't done so, to provide such services as to better the health of these people, as to conserve the lives of all of these people.

Saudi Arabia has been working with WHO in order to benefit the Ministry of Health, which is the main provider of mental health services within the country. In the past, Saudi Arabia only provided psychiatric training up to the level of diploma, causing people who were interested in the career to search for opportunities overseas. From then, mental health training is increasingly available to primary care doctors and postgraduates . By 2010, there were over 700 psychiatrists and over 1200 psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists working in mental health. Also, a national mental health policy was in place that included specialty programs for those with addictions, children, adolescents, the elderly, and consultation-liaison services in general medical settings. Patients' different cultures and beliefs are now taken into account when providing treatment to specific mental illnesses.

Saudi Arabia will further from now, work with WHO to improve the resources available to those that are afflicted by mental illness and will try to provide more jobs and higher education in regards to psychiatric training.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Annie Cardinale
School: Royal Oak High School

Currently, mental health resources are not widespread. Healthcare stations around the world are not properly equipped with to handle the needs of the people that they are supposed to serve. Additionally, many specialists need to be trained, which unfortunately doesn’t happen. Somalia alone has 6 mental health centers to treat our patients.

In Somalia, those with mental illnesses can go to a mental health center to be treated for. Dr. Marthe Everard, WHO Representative for Somalia, states, “Interventions are not too difficult or costly, but the area is rather lacking resources and infrastructure.” Meaning, if Somalia only had the resources, help could be provided to those with mental illnesses in our country. A hospital in Somalia, Habeeb Hospital, has implemented WHO Somalia's Chain Free Initiative, which advocates for chain-free hospitals, community and environmental safety across the country. The initiative is being expanded by other mental health centers in Somalia.

How can we expand mental health resources? One way is training. Many people are trying to treat those with mental health issues but simply do not have the proper training. If we train individuals on how to properly help with mental illnesses, they can go into underdeveloped countries like those in Africa. Another way we can help is by integrating mental care into primary care. Finally, another way is simply to educate. Many countries have established cultural norms that makes citizens have a stigma against mental illnesses. If educated about the true dangers of untreated mental illnesses, those with stigmas may reconsider cultural norms.

Somalia hopes by having a combination of education and aid in countries, the UN can expand mental health resources. Along with this, Somalia wishes that through sending resources to countries, countries can implement mental health centers. The delegation of Somalia hopes to expand mental health resources so that those with mental illnesses can receive the treatment they need.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Alex Verheek
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

While about 1 in 4 people on average will experience a mental illness at least once in their lifetime, only recently has mental health been given the necessary attention from the medical community. Because of the lack of resources and attention given to mental health until recently, large portions of people will go untreated for their mental illness. Poor and untreated mental health can often affect your physical health as well. Possible reasons for the lack of treatment towards mental illness stem from a lack of trained professionals and the separation of traditional and mental healthcare systems. In addition, Mental illness disproportionately affects those who have experienced traumas such as discrimination and violence, and often mental healthcare is unavailable to the populations affected the most by these traumas.

Mental illness in South Africa had largely been ignored until The National Health Policy Guidelines for Improved Mental Health in South Africa were written, although these did not adhere to WHO policies on mental health. These policies were reformed with the Mental Care Act of 2002. A study by the Mental Health and Poverty Research Program indicates that at least 16.5% of the adult population in South Africa suffers from mental illness, and that on average, around 30% of South Africans were likely to suffer from a mental illness some time during their life. (This number is estimated to be higher because of stigma surrounding mental health in South Africa, specifically in tribal culture) Despite 16.5% of adults suffering from mental illness, only about 25% had received care. South Africa only has 1.58 psychological providers per 100,000 people. Although there is a wide array of causes for mental illness, the main causes in South Africa have been linked to trauma caused by exposure to violence, substance abuse, undermining of traditions in a rapidly urbanizing culture, and disease as a trigger. Mental health is not a main concern to South Africa due to other more pressing issues and a lack of resources.

South Africa recommends that WHO works to eliminate the social stigma surrounding mental illness though increased access to education on mental illness and to make access to mental healthcare more accessible to lower class and at-risk citizens, through increased numbers of psychological providers (Especially in lower class areas) and combination of traditional and mental healthcare systems in order for those who need treatment to be able to be treated.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Jazmine Knight
School: Grand Rapids City High School

South Korea of all countries would understand the impact of Mental health because of the recent rise and awareness of mental health in media. Suicide and mental health issue topics are usually avoided due to the cultural stigma that is placed upon it. Mental health is not only an issue for many people all around the world but can lead to suicide, in particular, is a major public health issue, with an estimated 788,000 deaths every year.

South Korea has many issues with mental health similarly with other countries much of their belief of prevention are directed at mental health awareness and prevention. The government has created a Department of Suicide Prevention alongside a program to expand mental health centers, with a target to reduce the suicide rate over five years from 26.5 per 100,000 people to 17. The government also initiated the National Youth Healing Center under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in 2012. The service recruited youths with mental health issues, such as ADHD and depression, who are willing to participate in the treatment program for four months and at that time government announced an allocation of 48.2 billion won ($42.5 million) for suicide prevention and mental health projects, a 7.7 percent increase from the previous year.

Overall South Koreas view or prevention of Mental Health is just in that it needs more awareness and acceptance because without awareness and diagnosis treatment is impossible.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Anton Ludwig
School: East Grand Rapids High School

Mental health is a topic which historically has been ignored and brushed off. Mental illnesses were often accepted as signs of inferiority in society, and those who needed help were instead spurned and rejected. Today, while mental health is properly recognized as a serious issue, providing proper and effective treatment still faces many challenges, such as the need for qualified practitioners and the difficulty of obtaining proper diagnosis. Only recently has the international community begun to bring this to the forefront, with the WHO Mental Health Action Plan of 2013-2020 giving clear outlines for how countries should approach the issues of informing the public and giving proper treatment to those in need. According to a recent study, approximately 18% of Swedish citizens are affected by some form of mental or substance use disorder, proving that this issue is in need of serious attention. Sweden agrees with the goals outlined in the previous action plan by the WHO, and would like to reiterate the importance of achieving these goals. These include reducing the negative societal stigma surrounding mental illnesses, which often deters citizens from reaching out for help when they need it, as well as the expansion of mental health care services to provide greater efficiency in both diagnosis and care for patients. In addition, Sweden hopes that member countries will recognize the inefficiency of separating mental health care services from more traditional services, which is a common practice worldwide. Sweden believes that community services, like those available in Sweden, can provide a quicker and more effective route to treatment for citizens. With these goals in mind, Sweden hopes to see a resolution which affirms the goals of the previous action plan, yet expands further. The WHO needs a worldwide campaign to provide information to the citizens of member countries about mental illness and the importance of treatment. This will help combat the negative stigma around mental illness, and encourage those affected to seek treatment. At the same time, the WHO must encourage member countries to expand mental health care services to provide greater availability of treatment, with an emphasis on community-based services and the implementation of mental health services in traditional medical locations.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Kayla Fleishans
School: Royal Oak High School

Syria, like many other countries, currently is lacking adequate mental healthcare. Unlike most countries, we are currently engaged in a prolonged and difficult war. The war not only has made access to care more limited for our citizens, but has increased the prevalence of mental illness within our population. Even before the war started, we only had two public psychiatric hospitals. Today we have only facility that provides mental health care.

We need to come together to figure out how we can better the access to receiving mental health care. At our high, Syria had as many as one hundred psychiatrists serving a population of twenty-one million people. How can we increase the supply of psychiatrists? In developed nations, they too do not have enough providers of mental health care for their own populations. We also need to increase the access to care. In Syria’s case, we have many physical problems in terms of access. The conflict has made and currently makes travel to facilities that supply the desperately needed treatment extremely difficult. That is also the case for people across the globe who live in rural areas that are not well served by any sort of health care provider. The ability to pay also increases the access to care because while we would like our citizens who are suffering to receive as much care as they can, it is known that the wealthier individuals are at an advantage to the poorer portions of our population.

In Syria, mental health is stigmatized in many areas. We do have people that are suffering, but rather than their illness manifesting itself in mental symptoms, it presents itself physically. When those people get treatment for what they think are physical ailments, nothing is done about the underlying cause. People need to be able to understand what mental illnesses are, often chemical imbalances that can be helped with medication and counseling, but while still respecting the cultures that they practice and live in.

As the committee seeks to create a resolution, every member needs to seek what they individually need for to it satisfy their own interests. Syria wishes an adequate resolution to include a way for the population of properly trained psychiatrists to increase, without putting a financial burden on the nation in which they will practice. A resolution should also include a way to increase understanding of mental illness without harming the cultural practices and beliefs of the people who need help and their families. We also need to focus on how we can make access easier without putting people in more physical, mental, or financial distress than they are currently in.

Syria greatly looks forward to seeing the other members in committee and focusing on debating this extremely important issue. We will do our best to ensure that every member’s needs are met in a resolution. We know that we will be accomplishing some greatly needed work on a topic that needs more attention than it has previously been assigned. We will be working with as many other nations as possible to make sure that we can increase access to care, care providers, and education to the many people who need it.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: Uganda
Delegate Name: Ruby Jazwinski
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Mental health is a very top priority. It applies to everyone, and it contributes to everyone’s wellbeing. Everywhere in the world, people suffer from mental health issues, but some people do not have access to resources they need to help themselves. Mental health can be deadly, and if not taken care of properly can cost someone their life. The resources necessary to treat people are available, it’s just a matter of getting them to people. In Uganda, mental health is a grave concern, and there have been many reforms attempting to better their mental health resources. However, Uganda is a low-income country, and not a lot of money goes toward the resources, hurting people with mental illness. Many skilled mental healthcare workers also leave Uganda for a country with a better income, causing even less highly skilled people who can treat others. Putting more money towards mental health resources and making sure it stays prioritized could help benefit. Gaining more resources and encouraging the idea that people with mental illnesses should have a right to get assisted is essential. Uganda would like to see more resources being put into places that need them and mental health becomes more of a priority.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: United Arab Emirates
Delegate Name: Samhith Ginjupalli
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Mental health is a common problem around the world. One in four people in the world is affected by mental health problems at some point in their lives. Around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. There is a lot of stigmas connected to mental illnesses around the world. Although treatment is available, nearly two-thirds of people with a mental illness never seek help from a medical professional. Stigma often prevents care and treatment from reaching people with mental illnesses, says the World Health Organization (WHO). In areas with little mental health resources, there is often neglect and little understanding of the mentally ill.

In the United Arab Emirates, neuropsychiatric disorders are estimated to contribute to 19.9% of the global burden of disease (WHO, 2008). The UAE has a mental health plan, which has most recently been revised in 2010. Services and resources from mental hospitals have been shifted to community mental health facilities. Mental health services have also been integrated into primary care.

The UAE is currently working on training health professionals and certify them in the mental health field so that they are fully prepared to treat mental health problems. The UAE is looking forward to work with other countries to find a solution to this problem.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Allyson Suandi
School: Williamston High School

The horrifying, scandalous problem of mental health has been highly disregarded in the United Nations and is still an outrageously difficult and thought-provoking issue in both developed and developing countries. The World Health Organization must address mental health as it is an extremely overlooked issue for something fairly common, as it affects one in four people, which ranges from depressed students to substance abusers. The United Nations must take into deep consideration on how mental health affects the livelihood of people, especially with the continuously increasing need for mental health care. Mental health most definitely constitutes within the World Health Organization’s definition of health and therefore must be considered when meeting the United Nations sustainable development goal of ensuring healthy lives. The issue of mental health being neglected occurs in both developed and developing nations. There are not enough mental health services and workers in developing nations as a whole and in certain regions that contain a vast amount of brutality and discrimination where it is severely necessary. Ensuring mental health is an topic that all countries, no matter what the financial status, needs to work towards. The United Kingdom, although an developed nation with high status, still struggles with ensuring mental health for all of its people. In a 2018 report, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service has been dealing with an inadequate amount of beds for patients, long wait times, and difficulty to access proper treatment. In another report from the Care Quality Commission, the State of Mental Health services 2014-2017, stated that to provide good condition mental health care services the United Kingdom must address the shortage of mental health workers and facilities, demand, and unsatisfactory clinical information systems. The amount of people who travel up to hundreds of miles away to find treatment has rose by 40% in the last few years. 23% of younger individuals have not been given treatment yet because of “high thresholds” and that only when “something goes drastically wrong” before care is provided. Ideally, the government looks for a future where care for mental health can be provided close to home and in hospitals throughout the community. When dealing with mental health, the majority of people that the United Kingdom need to especially provide assistance to are students with anxiety and/or depression, as well as pregnant women and new mothers. The United Kingdom also plans to invests an additional 1.3 billion euros in mental health services by 2021. This enhanced funding will hopefully help the United Kingdom works towards better facilities and services, more workers, and for the betterment of its people. The United Kingdom urges other nations to seek a comprehensive solution that works towards the creation of new facilities in troubled regions in developed and especially in developing nations as well. The United Kingdom would like to defined these troubled regions as areas with a vulnerable population where there are lots of violence or crime filled places, areas with poverty, areas with terror, places with discrimination, and specific areas with high mental illness rates as a whole. The United Kingdom plans to use it’s own Five Year Forward View for Mental Health plan as a guideline when creating it’s resolution. The UK would also like to see public awareness being spread worldwide on mental health as a whole and its significance, advocating for psychological well-being, better treatment for mental health, advocating and educating on the prevention of mental health issues, etc. The United Kingdom would also like to work towards more treatment specifically on school children, veterans, pregnant women, refugees, and prisoners. The United Kingdom understands that the workforce for mental health issues must rise in order for all of this to happen and for the existing workforce to have better training. The United Kingdom would like to work specifically with the International Mental Health Collaboration Network and Working Group, which are two NGOs that can help nations across the globe to help with the implementation, raise public awareness, and provide funding. The United Kingdom hopes that by using non-governmental organizations, the organizations would help support and facilitate the implementation of these plans. The United Kingdom however also strongly suggests that nations should begin setting aside government money specifically for mental health if they are so able.

Topic: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Mohamed Omran
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Mental health disorders are responsible for millions of deaths every year. Over eight million people die yearly from mental health disorders, ranging from depression to addiction. One in four people worldwide are likely to suffer from some sort of mental health episode in their life, and yet, mental health is often unfunded and disregarded. Due to this, mental health disorders are left untreated and the victims are bound to a life of suffering. The poor state of many people’s mental health leads to catastrophic events, even in a first world country like the United States. For starters, the USA loses millions of citizens every year from a mental illness. Additionally, almost half (46%) homeless citizens and the majority of juvenile inmates (70%) suffer from mental illness. Neither of these living situations is beneficial for the individuals or the economy. It is estimated that the US misses out on $193.2 billion economic earnings yearly due to mental illness. For those suffering from a mental illness, most countries do not have access to psychiatric institutions. The institutions that do exist are often littered with human rights violations and are too expensive for impoverished citizens to afford. While improving these institutions would be initially pricey, countries will eventually reap the reward of a mentally healthy people as a mentally healthy person is more likely to be more productive and efficient improving the economy. Amid the lieu of mass shootings and terrorist attacks that have plagued the world in the last few years, an expansion of mental health resources could help quel these abhorrent acts by identifying and helping those in need before they harm either themselves or innocent bystanders. As President Donald Trump so admirably put it “We’re going to have to start talking about mental institutions …we have nothing between a prison and leaving him at his house, which we can’t do anymore,” honorable President Trump recognizes the need for expanding mental institutions and halting the placement of mentally ill in prisons or homes as this only compounds their illnesses. At this conference, the United States hopes to pass a resolution that better supports the mentally ill with ambitious goals to abate the deaths we see as a result of suicide, overdose, etc. These goals should be nation specific and funded by the entirety of the United Nations, with no one country carrying the burden. Ideally, the resolution would include sections suggesting the creation of new institutions that meet NGO and UN standards in human rights and aid. The life of a mentally ill person is difficult and common. Not only does their illness affect their daily lives, it also impacts the lives of those around them and more importantly, the well-being of the economy. Mentally ill people are not as productive in their work lives and as a result economies lose out on billions of dollars every year. More worryingly, is the rise in mental illness in youth populations. Our youth are our future and we need to support them through their challenges, whether it be depression, addiction, alcoholism, or anxiety. With the work of a United Nations, the World Health Organization can help create a healthier generation and a more promising future and economy.