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6 <br /> b. Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation <br /> The Board approved a proclamation designating May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Orange <br /> County. <br /> BACKGROUND: Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Each year <br /> millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Even though mental health conditions <br /> are common and treatable like physical health conditions, many people are still afraid to talk about them <br /> due to the stigma associated with mental illness. In May, mental health organizations and affiliates raise <br /> awareness with community events and messages of hope to highlight the importance of mental health. <br /> The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim May 2026 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in <br /> Orange County to shine a light on mental illness and the need for long-term improvements in our mental <br /> health care system and improved access to care so no one feels 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 illnesses are <br /> prevalent in our county,state, and nation,with one in five adults experiencing a mental health issue every <br /> year; and <br /> WHEREAS, mental health sustains an individual's thought processes, relationships, productivity,and ability <br /> to adapt to change; and <br /> WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and to recognize the symptoms of mental illness and <br /> 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 and effective <br /> treatment of individuals with mental illness and the ability to recover to lead full, productive lives; and <br /> WHEREAS, every person and community can help end the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness <br /> that for too long has made people feel isolated, alone and discouraged people from getting help; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County remains engaged in the promise to address the challenges facing people with <br /> mental illness; and <br /> WHEREAS, people with lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use disorders get better, live <br /> in recovery, and provide invaluable knowledge of how to improve and transform systems of care, and <br /> WHEREAS, through public education and working together to raise awareness, we can help improve the <br /> lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness, and <br />