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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 6, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Laura Jensen, 245-2130 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness <br /> Month 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 /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the <br /> proclamation. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 2 HEALTHY COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Improve harm reduction, prevention, and support services for adults and <br /> children experiencing behavioral health issues, substance use disorder, and intellectual <br /> or developmental disability. <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Expand access to quality, affordable healthcare services. <br /> OBJECTIVE 3. Provide social safety net programming and the resources needed for our <br /> most vulnerable community members. <br /> OBJECTIVE 4. Reduce impacts and barriers for justice-involved children and adults <br /> through deflection, diversion, therapeutic interventions, and re-entry support, including <br /> housing. <br /> OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life <br /> of the community. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the <br /> proclamation designating May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Orange County and <br /> authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. <br />