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3 <br /> 1 that she loves visiting Orange County because of the way she feels welcome. She said that <br /> 2 residents have expressed concerns about the revaluation to her and she wants to make sure <br /> 3 people hear that they are looking at a lot of needs and they are trying to take care of what is <br /> 4 needed. She said it was Teacher Appreciation Week, and she thanked educators for their work. <br /> 5 She said that it was also National Nurses Week. She said that her younger sister was a nurse <br /> 6 and that she passed away three years ago but this proclamation always makes her think of her <br /> 7 and all of the nurses in the community. <br /> 8 Commissioner Carter said she also attended the Lisbon Payne Berry. She said that a <br /> 9 number of judicial representatives and Commissioners were in attendance. She said that the Arts <br /> 10 exhibit was very moving. She said many older Americans are unpaid care givers and they save <br /> 11 the US $600 billion per year in care costs. <br /> 12 Chair Bedford said there will be a community wellness event at DSS on Saturday. She <br /> 13 said that there will be a foster family orientation on May 13 and encouraged anyone interested to <br /> 14 attend. She reviewed the upcoming budget work session and public hearing dates and described <br /> 15 how amendments may be made by commissioners. She said that it is important to hear from the <br /> 16 public during the process. <br /> 17 <br /> 18 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations <br /> 19 a. Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation <br /> 20 The Board approved a proclamation designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month <br /> 21 in Orange County. <br /> 22 <br /> 23 BACKGROUND: Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. <br /> 24 Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Even though mental <br /> 25 health conditions are common and treatable like physical health conditions, many people are still <br /> 26 afraid to talk about them due to the stigma associated with mental illness. In May, mental health <br /> 27 organizations and affiliates raise awareness with community events and messages of hope to <br /> 28 highlight the importance of mental health. <br /> 29 <br /> 30 The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim May 2025 as"Mental Health Awareness Month" <br /> 31 in Orange County to shine a light on mental illness and the need for long-term improvements in <br /> 32 our mental health care system and improved access to care so no one feels alone. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 The commissioners read the following proclamation in turn: <br /> 35 <br /> 36 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> 37 PROCLAMATION <br /> 38 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH <br /> 39 <br /> 40 WHEREAS, mental health is part of everyone's overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses <br /> 41 are prevalent in our county, state, and nation, with one in five adults experiencing a mental health <br /> 42 issue every year; and <br /> 43 <br /> 44 WHEREAS, mental health sustains an individual's thought processes, relationships, productivity, <br /> 45 and ability to adapt to change; and <br /> 46 <br /> 47 WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and to recognize the symptoms of mental <br /> 48 illness and seek help when it is needed; and <br /> 49 WHEREAS, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful navigation and <br /> 50 management of mental illness and recovery; and <br /> 51 <br />