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7 <br /> 1 <br /> 2 WHEREAS, Orange County remains engaged in the promise to address the challenges facing <br /> 3 people with mental illness; and <br /> 4 <br /> 5 WHEREAS, people with lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use disorders get <br /> 6 better, live in recovery, and provide invaluable knowledge of how to improve and transform <br /> 7 systems of care, and <br /> 8 <br /> 9 WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of people experiencing feelings <br /> 10 of anxiety and depression; and <br /> 11 <br /> 12 WHEREAS, through public education and working together to raise awareness, we can help <br /> 13 improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness, and <br /> 14 <br /> 15 WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase public understanding <br /> 16 of the importance of mental health and to promote the identification and treatment of mental <br /> 17 illness; <br /> 18 <br /> 19 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby recognize <br /> 20 May 2021 as MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in Orange County and shine a light on <br /> 21 mental health and the need for long-term improvements in our mental health care system and <br /> 22 improved access to care so no one feels alone. <br /> 23 <br /> 24 This the 4th day of May, 2021. <br /> 25 <br /> 26 <br /> 27 <br /> 28 Renee Price, Chair <br /> 29 Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> 30 <br /> 31 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to <br /> 32 approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 Roll call ensued <br /> 35 <br /> 36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 37 <br /> 38 Commissioner Dorosin left the meeting at 7:35 p.m. <br /> 39 <br /> 40 Commissioner Hamilton said she is a social worker and a mental health provider, and <br /> 41 mental health issues do not discriminate. She said all families are impacted, and external <br /> 42 factors impact mental health. She said it is important to pay attention to how institutions create <br /> 43 stress. She said science that informs treatment options has advanced in this area, and she <br /> 44 hopes people recognize that there are appropriate treatments available. <br /> 45 Commissioner Fowler said mental health is an integral part of overall health, and can <br /> 46 negatively impact physical health. She said people suffer needlessly due to stigma, and lack of <br /> 47 access. She said there is effective treatment, and if you need help, you are not alone. <br /> 48 <br /> 49 Commissioner Dorosin rejoined the meeting at 7:36 p.m. <br /> 50 <br />