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6 <br /> 1 The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation recognizing May 2021 as <br /> 2 Mental Health Awareness Month in Orange County. <br /> 3 <br /> 4 <br /> 5 BACKGROUND: <br /> 6 Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Each year millions <br /> 7 of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Even though mental health <br /> 8 conditions are common and treatable like physical health conditions, many people are still afraid <br /> 9 to talk about them due to the stigma associated with mental illness. In May, mental health <br /> 10 organizations and affiliates will raise awareness with community events and messages of hope <br /> 11 to highlight the importance of mental health. <br /> 12 <br /> 13 The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. In <br /> 14 2020, area mental health partners saw fewer patients in-person, but experienced significantly <br /> 15 more telehealth appointments. As social distancing requirements relaxed in the first quarter of <br /> 16 2021, providers saw in-person mental health visits rise to pre-pandemic levels. Now, more than <br /> 17 ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles and encourage people to <br /> 18 seek help. <br /> 19 <br /> 20 The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim May 2021 as "Mental Health Awareness <br /> 21 Month" in Orange County to shine a light on mental illness and the need for long-term <br /> 22 improvements in our mental health care system and improved access to care so no one feels <br /> 23 alone. <br /> 24 <br /> 25 Commissioner Fowler read the proclamation: <br /> 26 <br /> 27 <br /> 28 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> 29 PROCLAMATION <br /> 30 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH <br /> 31 <br /> 32 WHEREAS, mental health is part of everyone's overall health and well-being, and mental <br /> 33 illnesses are prevalent in our county, state, and nation, with one in five adults experiencing a <br /> 34 mental health issue every year; and <br /> 35 <br /> 36 WHEREAS, mental health sustains an individual's thought processes, relationships, <br /> 37 productivity, and ability to adapt to change; and <br /> 38 <br /> 39 WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and to recognize the symptoms of mental <br /> 40 illness and seek help when it is needed; and <br /> 41 <br /> 42 WHEREAS, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful navigation <br /> 43 and management of mental illness and recovery; and <br /> 44 <br /> 45 WHEREAS, stigma and the resulting discrimination is a primary obstacle to early identification <br /> 46 and effective treatment of individuals with mental illness and the ability to recover to lead full, <br /> 47 productive lives; and <br /> 48 <br /> 49 WHEREAS, every person and community can help end the silence and stigma surrounding <br /> 50 mental illness that for too long has made people feel isolated, alone and discouraged people <br /> 51 from getting help; and <br />