(1) The general assembly finds and declares that:

(a) Families in Action for Mental Health is a collaboration of mental health advocacy organizations including Mental Health America of Colorado, which serves as the fiscal manager for Families in Action for Mental Health;

(b) A lack of access to mental health services is often cited as one of the top five health threats within Colorado;

(c) Colorado has been ranked as the eighteenth most depressed state in the United States by Mental Health America;

(d) Colorado has the sixth highest suicide rate in the United States;

(e) Substance use, behavioral, and mental health disorders are Colorado's most prevalent chronic illnesses; and

(f) Children and adolescents make up nearly twenty-five percent of Colorado's population, yet they account for thirty-three percent of the severe mental health needs in the state.

(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that Families in Action for Mental Health:

(a) Offers statewide mental health education, advocacy, information and referrals, support groups, and family programs to all Coloradans in need;

(b) Promotes suicide prevention efforts and education;

(c) Increases access to appropriate mental health services, thus strengthening and enhancing Colorado's mental health safety net system;

(d) Ensures that families obtain community support and services so that children grow up healthy and are able to maximize their potential;

(e) Educates Coloradans about mental health to reduce stigmas; and

(f) Empowers those living with mental health conditions to achieve greater levels of wellness and recovery.

(3) In order to assist Families in Action for Mental Health in fulfilling its mission, the general assembly recognizes that many citizens of Colorado may be willing to provide moneys to assist in its efforts. It is therefore the intent of the general assembly to provide Coloradans the opportunity to support the efforts of Families in Action for Mental Health by allowing citizens to make a voluntary contribution on their state income tax return form to the Families in Action for Mental Health fund for such a purpose.