HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION re Mental Illness Awareness Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: October 6,2025
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming the week of October 5-11, 2025 as Mental
Illness Awareness Week
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However,
mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. That is why
each year, during the first week of October,National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and
participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide
support through Mental Illness Awareness Week(MIAW).
We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them
during MIAW provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come
together as one unified voice. Since 1990,when Congress officially established the first full week of
October as MIAW, advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small,to educate the
public about mental illness.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to Jefferson County.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Proclamation re: Proclaiming the week of October 5-11, 2025 as Mental Illness Awareness Week.
REVIEWED BY:
1 (0/VIC
Jo 7 D. Peters, County Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK
WHEREAS, mental health is part of overall health; and
WHEREAS, one in five adults(59.3 million U.S. adults) experiences a mental health problem in
any given year, and 49% of Americans will meet the criteria for diagnosable mental health condition
sometime in their lives; and
WHEREAS, one in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, and
20%of all High-School students seriously considered suicide; and
WHEREAS, approximately one-half of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14 and
three-quarters by age 24; and
WHEREAS, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the 2nd
leading cause among young adults, and 90%of people who die by suicide had shown symptoms of a
mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends, and medical professionals; and
WHEREAS, long delays—sometimes decades—often occur between the time symptoms first
appear and when individuals get help; and
WHEREAS, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful
management of mental illness and recovery; and
WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and learn the symptoms of mental
illness in order to get help when it is needed; and
WHEREAS, every citizen and community can make a difference in helping end the silence and
stigma that for too long has surrounded mental illness and discouraged people from
getting help; and
WHEREAS, public education and civic activities can encourage mental health and help improve
the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Mental Illness Awareness Week is sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental
Illness(NAMI)to increase understanding of the devastating impact of mental illness on the lives of
individuals and their communities, and to seek to promote early diagnosis and
treatment; and
WHEREAS, NAMI Jefferson County's health advocates, Discovery Behavioral Healthcare,
community partners, and legislators have collaborated to reduce stigma, and provide education and
awareness of prevention, early intervention and treatment resources for mental health; and
WHEREAS, October 10, 2025 is World Mental Health Day; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
on behalf of the citizens of Jefferson County, does hereby proclaim, Oct. 10, 2025 as World Mental
Health Day and October 5-11, 2025 as,
MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK
in Jefferson County, Washington to shine a light on mental illness and fight stigma, provide support,
educate the public and advocate for equal care.
PROCLAIMED this 6th day of October, 2025.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
ATTEST: Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC, Clerk of the Board Greg Brotherton, Member