100 STAT. 4498
PROCLAMATION 5538—OCT. 8, 1986
prevention effort is directed toward continued research into the deleterious effects of drugs and getting this information out to those who can use it most effectively. Our society at every level must develop an absolute intolerance for illegal drugs. Everyone has a part to play in this crusade: parents, teachers, health care professionals, youth workers, and celebrities in entertainment, sports, and other fields. All America must speak with one voice. We must teach our young people to say "no" to the degradation of drugs and "yes" to the bright promise of a drug-free America. This is a battle for liberty from the enslavement of drug addiction. We can win. We must win. With God's help and a united people, we shall win. The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolutions 354 and 386, has designated the week of October 5 through October 11, 1986, as "National Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Week," and October 6, 1986, as "National Drug Abuse Education Day," and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of these events. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 5 through October 11, 1986, as National Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Week, and October 6, 1986, as National Drug Abuse Education Day. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in drug abuse education and prevention programs in their communities. I encourage parents and children to talk and work together to prevent drug abuse in the family and to dedicate themselves to the goal of a drug-free America. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 6th day of Oct., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN Editorial note: For the President's remarks of Oct. 6, 1986, about National Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Week, see the Week]y Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 22, p. 1335}.
Proclamation 5538 of October 8, 1986
Mental Illness Awareness Week, 1986 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Because of the fear and ignorance of some Americans, the mentally ill often are reluctant to seek the treatments that could alleviate their physical symptoms and emotional pain. Many who are being deprived of a happy and productive future because their mental disorders go unrecognized or ignored could be helped with appropriate mental health treatment. Our Nation can no longer afford the price of the stigma against the mentally ill. The emotional and physical price paid by the mentally ill and their famihes is incalculable. It is time to bring about change. We must understand that mental illnesses are real—not imaginary or self-inflicted—and that some are caused by biochemical or brain dysfunctions that require medical attention in.addition to supportive services.
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