HomeMy WebLinkAbout050222cbs01 JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Executive Assistant
DATE: May 2, 2022
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming May,2022 as Mental Health Awareness
Month
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Every May,National Mental Health Month is celebrated. A time set aside to recognize individuals with
behavioral and mental health conditions as well as acknowledge the people who support them. In 2019
alone, 51.5 million U.S. adults struggled with mental health issues and because one in five people will
experience some form of mental illness throughout their lifetime, chances are we all know someone who is
affected.
Over the course of the past year, the Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the mental health of
many people. According to a poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation in the Spring of 2020, 45% of
adults in the United States reported that their mental health was negatively impacted due COVID-19
stress which includes worry and concerns regarding lockdowns,job loss or income insecurity,
vaccinations, essential worker status and at-home schooling for children.
During National Mental Health Month, we aim to not only support mental health awareness but most
importantly, address the stigmas associated with both behavioral and mental health issues. One way to
conquer these stigmas is by advocating for policies that make mental health treatment more accessible.
We can also educate the public with informative resources and help normalize discussions regarding
typical conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and more. Through these efforts, we
can significantly reduce negative perceptions about mental illness and encourage people to get the care
they need without feeling ostracized or alone.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to Jefferson County.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Proclamation re: Proclaiming May, 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month
REVIE D BY:
z-z
Mark McCa y, County Administrat D e
PRICLA M A
WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being; and,
WHEREAS, all Americans face challenges in life that can impact their mental health, especially during
a pandemic; and,
WHEREAS, prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental health conditions; and
WHEREAS, there are practical tools that all people can use to improve their mental health and increase
resiliency; and,
WHEREAS, mental health conditions are real and prevalent in our nation; and,
WHEREAS, with effective treatment, those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and
lead full, productive lives; and,
WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, health care provider, organization and citizen
share the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support
prevention and treatment efforts,
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2022 as:
in Jefferson County, Washington. As the Board of County Commissioners, we also call upon the citizens,
government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Jefferson County, Washington
to commit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens
can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with
mental health conditions.
APPROVED this 2nd day of May, 2022.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
Kate Dean, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC
Clerk of the Board
Greg Brotherton, Member