HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION re Mental Health Awareness JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: May 5, 2025
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming May 2025 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.
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 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month
REVIEWED BY:
Ile
Mark McCaul , County Administrator Da e
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 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 RESOL VED THAT we, the Board of County Commissioners,
does hereby proclaim May 2025 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 this 5`h day of May, 2025.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
ATTEST:
Greg Brotherton, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC,
Clerk of the Board
Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member