HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-04-2021; 4-b - Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 4, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT (S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Laura Jensen, 245-2130
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing May 2021 as Mental Health Awareness
Month in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949.
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Even though
mental health conditions are common and treatable like physical health conditions, many people
are still afraid to talk about them due to the stigma associated with mental illness. In May,
mental health organizations and affiliates will raise awareness with community events and
messages of hope to highlight the importance of mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. In
2020, area mental health partners saw fewer patients in-person, but experienced significantly
more telehealth appointments. As social distancing requirements relaxed in the first quarter of
2021, providers saw in-person mental health visits rise to pre-pandemic levels. Now, more than
ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles and encourage people to
seek help.
The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim May 2021 as "Mental Health Awareness
Month" in Orange County to shine a light on mental illness and the need for long-term
improvements in our mental health care system and improved access to care so no one feels
alone.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the
proclamation designating May 2021 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Orange County and
authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, mental health is part of everyone's overall health and well-being, and mental
illnesses are prevalent in our county, state, and nation, with one in five adults experiencing
a mental health issue every year; and
WHEREAS, mental health sustains an individual's thought processes, relationships,
productivity, and ability to adapt to change; and
WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and to recognize the symptoms of
mental illness and seek help when it is needed; and
WHEREAS, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful
navigation and management of mental illness and recovery; and
WHEREAS, stigma and the resulting discrimination is a primary obstacle to early
identification and effective treatment of individuals with mental illness and the ability to
recover to lead full, productive lives; and
WHEREAS, every person and community can help end the silence and stigma
surrounding mental illness that for too long has made people feel isolated, alone and
discouraged people from getting help; and
WHEREAS, Orange County remains engaged in the promise to address the challenges
facing people with mental illness; and
WHEREAS, people with lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use
disorders get better, live in recovery, and provide invaluable knowledge of how to improve
and transform systems of care, and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of people experiencing
feelings of anxiety and depression; and
WHEREAS, through public education and working together to raise awareness, we can
help improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness, and
WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase public
understanding of the importance of mental health and to promote the identification and
treatment of mental illness;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
recognize May 2021 as MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in Orange County and
shine a light on mental health and the need for long-term improvements in our mental
health care system and improved access to care so no one feels alone.
This the 4th day of May, 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners