Orange County NC Website
WHEREAS, every person and community can help end the silence and stigma surrounding <br /> mental illness that for too long has made people feel isolated, alone and discouraged people <br /> from getting help; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County remains engaged in the promise to address the challenges facing <br /> people with mental illness; and <br /> WHEREAS, people with lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use disorders get <br /> better, live in recovery, and provide invaluable knowledge of how to improve and transform <br /> systems of care, and <br /> WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of people experiencing <br /> feelings of anxiety and depression; and <br /> WHEREAS, through public education and working together to raise awareness, we can help <br /> improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness, and <br /> WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase public understanding <br /> of the importance of mental health and to promote the identification and treatment of mental <br /> illness; <br /> NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby recognize <br /> May 2021 as MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in Orange County and shine a light on <br /> mental health and the need for long-term improvements in our mental health care system and <br /> improved access to care so no one feels alone. <br /> This the 4th day of May, 2021. <br /> Renee Price, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to <br /> approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. <br /> Roll call ensued <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Commissioner Dorosin left the meeting at 7:35 p.m. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said she is a social worker and a mental health provider, and <br /> mental health issues do not discriminate. She said all families are impacted, and external <br /> factors impact mental health. She said it is important to pay attention to how institutions create <br /> stress. She said science that informs treatment options has advanced in this area, and she <br /> hopes people recognize that there are appropriate treatments available. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said mental health is an integral part of overall health, and can <br /> negatively impact physical health. She said people suffer needlessly due to stigma, and lack of <br /> access. She said there is effective treatment, and if you need help, you are not alone. <br />