HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2023-007-Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation . � .
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 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 2023 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 . t
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This the 2nd day of May , 2023 .
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JaAezettg Bedford , C119ir � 'I ,
Orange Count Board of Comm si neI 'll r
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