HomeMy WebLinkAboutMental Health Awareness Month PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive
treatment; and
WHEREAS 1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, and only half of them
receive treatment; and
WHEREAS 50% of all mental illness begins by age 14, and 75%by age 24; and
WHEREAS the average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years; and
WHEREAS many people live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas; and
WHEREAS the pandemic had a significant negative impact on the mental health of adults and young
people; and
WHEREAS 65% of Americans are concerned about the stigma around mental illness; and
WHEREAS education, advocacy and creating awareness will encourage people to seek treatment; and
WHEREAS, with effective treatment, people with mental health illness can recover and lead full,
productive lives,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT we, the Board of County Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim May 2023 as:
Mental Health Awareness Month
in Jefferson County, Washington. As the Board of County Commissioners, we call upon citizens,
government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Jefferson County,
Washington to commit our community to combating stigma, increasing awareness and understanding of
mental health, recognizing the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health and the need for
affordable, appropriate, and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.
APPROVED thi,,g, rgit"g'f ay 2023.
SEAL: i y: A % �o JEFFERSO COUNTY
g D U" •m:z 0 COMMI IONERS
m 0: <
- reg otherton, air
%SASH I NG
: r��N11�N Hp�MN ATES
}
HizcGt • '/ K to Dean, Member
Caroly�Gallaway, CMC
Clerk of the Board \il -2,.--�--
ei ' enhour, Member
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Julie Shannon, Executive Secretary II
DATE: May 1, 2023
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming May, 2023 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.
Over the course of the past few years, 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, 2023 as Mental Health Awareness Month
REVIE BY:
Mark McCaule ounty Administrator Dat