HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION re Mental Illness Awareness Week Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Executive Assistant
DATE: October 3,2022
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming the week of October 2-8,2022 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 2-8, 2022 as Mental Illness Awareness Week.
REVIEWED BY:
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Mark McCau County Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK.
WHEREAS, mental health is part of overall health; and
WHEREAS, one in five adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year; and
WHEREAS, one in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year;
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.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners on
behalf of the citizens of Jefferson County, do hereby proclaim October 2-8, 2022,
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 3th day of October, 2022.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
ATTEST: Kate Dean, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, Clerk of the Board Greg Brotherton, Member