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4 <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 and <br /> 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 /> 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 from <br /> 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, 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 May <br /> 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Orange County and shine a light on mental health <br /> and the need for long-term improvements in our mental health care system and improved access <br /> to care so no one feels alone. <br /> This the 21St day of May, 2024. <br /> Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, <br /> to approve the proclamation and authorize the Chair to sign. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> b. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week Proclamation <br /> The Board approved a proclamation recognizing the week of May 19-25, 2024 as EMS Week in <br /> Orange County, highlighting First Responders for their amazing work throughout the year. <br /> BACKGROUND: Every year across the nation, the third week in May is dedicated to the <br /> professional men and women who serve as EMS Practitioners to establish "National EMS Week". <br />