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3 <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she attended the Eno Arts Mill Hidden Voices exhibit <br /> that showcases the survivors of sexual violence. She spoke with one of the survivors and she <br /> indicated that she loves visiting Orange County because of the way she feels welcome. She <br /> said that residents have expressed concerns about the revaluation to her and she wants to <br /> make sure people hear that they are looking at a lot of needs and they are trying to take care of <br /> what is needed. She said it was Teacher Appreciation Week, and she thanked educators for <br /> their work. She said that it was also National Nurses Week. She said that her younger sister <br /> was a nurse and that she passed away three years ago but this proclamation always makes her <br /> think of her and all of the nurses in the community. <br /> Commissioner Carter said she also attended the Lisbon Payne Berry. She said that a <br /> number of judicial representatives and Commissioners were in attendance. She said that the <br /> Arts exhibit was very moving. She said many older Americans are unpaid care givers and they <br /> save the US $600 billion per year in care costs. <br /> Chair Bedford said there will be a community wellness event at DSS on Saturday. She <br /> said that there will be a foster family orientation on May 13 and encouraged anyone interested <br /> to attend. She reviewed the upcoming budget work session and public hearing dates and <br /> described how amendments may be made by commissioners. She said that it is important to <br /> hear from the public during the process. <br /> 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations <br /> a. Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation <br /> The Board approved a proclamation designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month <br /> in Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. <br /> Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Even though <br /> mental health conditions are common and treatable like physical health conditions, many people <br /> are still afraid to talk about them due to the stigma associated with mental illness. In May, <br /> mental health organizations and affiliates raise awareness with community events and <br /> messages of hope to highlight the importance of mental health. <br /> The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim May 2025 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 /> The commissioners read the following proclamation in turn: <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 />