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6 <br /> b. Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation <br /> The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation recognizing May 2021 as <br /> Mental Health Awareness Month in Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Each year millions <br /> of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Even though mental health <br /> conditions are common and treatable like physical health conditions, many people are still afraid <br /> to talk about them due to the stigma associated with mental illness. In May, mental health <br /> organizations and affiliates will raise awareness with community events and messages of hope <br /> to highlight the importance of mental health. <br /> The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. In <br /> 2020, area mental health partners saw fewer patients in-person, but experienced significantly <br /> more telehealth appointments. As social distancing requirements relaxed in the first quarter of <br /> 2021, providers saw in-person mental health visits rise to pre-pandemic levels. Now, more than <br /> ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles and encourage people to <br /> seek help. <br /> The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim May 2021 as "Mental Health Awareness <br /> Month" in Orange County to shine a light on mental illness and the need for long-term <br /> improvements in our mental health care system and improved access to care so no one feels <br /> alone. <br /> Commissioner Fowler read the proclamation: <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH <br /> WHEREAS, mental health is part of everyone's overall health and well-being, and mental <br /> illnesses are prevalent in our county, state, and nation, with one in five adults experiencing a <br /> mental health issue every year; and <br /> WHEREAS, mental health sustains an individual's thought processes, relationships, <br /> productivity, and ability to adapt to change; and <br /> WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and to recognize the symptoms of mental <br /> illness and seek help when it is needed; and <br /> WHEREAS, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful navigation <br /> and management of mental illness and recovery; and <br /> WHEREAS, stigma and the resulting discrimination is a primary obstacle to early identification <br /> and effective treatment of individuals with mental illness and the ability to recover to lead full, <br /> productive lives; and <br />