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4 <br /> 1 WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and to recognize the symptoms of mental <br /> 2 illness and seek help when it is needed; and <br /> 3 <br /> 4 WHEREAS, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful navigation and <br /> 5 management of mental illness and recovery; and <br /> 6 <br /> 7 WHEREAS, stigma and the resulting discrimination is a primary obstacle to early identification <br /> 8 and effective treatment of individuals with mental illness and the ability to recover to lead full, <br /> 9 productive lives; and <br /> 10 <br /> 11 WHEREAS, every person and community can help end the silence and stigma surrounding <br /> 12 mental illness that for too long has made people feel isolated, alone and discouraged people from <br /> 13 getting help; and <br /> 14 <br /> 15 WHEREAS, Orange County remains engaged in the promise to address the challenges facing <br /> 16 people with mental illness; and <br /> 17 <br /> 18 WHEREAS, people with lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use disorders get <br /> 19 better, live in recovery, and provide invaluable knowledge of how to improve and transform <br /> 20 systems of care, and <br /> 21 <br /> 22 WHEREAS, through public education and working together to raise awareness, we can help <br /> 23 improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness, and <br /> 24 <br /> 25 WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase public understanding <br /> 26 of the importance of mental health and to promote the identification and treatment of mental <br /> 27 illness; <br /> 28 <br /> 29 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby recognize May <br /> 30 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Orange County and shine a light on mental health <br /> 31 and the need for long-term improvements in our mental health care system and improved access <br /> 32 to care so no one feels alone. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 This the 21 st day of May, 2024. <br /> 35 <br /> 36 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> 37 Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> 38 <br /> 39 A motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, <br /> 40 to approve the proclamation and authorize the Chair to sign. <br /> 41 <br /> 42 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 43 <br /> 44 b. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week Proclamation <br /> 45 The Board approved a proclamation recognizing the week of May 19-25, 2024 as EMS Week in <br /> 46 Orange County, highlighting First Responders for their amazing work throughout the year. <br /> 47 <br /> 48 BACKGROUND: Every year across the nation, the third week in May is dedicated to the <br /> 49 professional men and women who serve as EMS Practitioners to establish "National EMS Week". <br />