Orange County NC Website
. � . <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 <br /> a 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 <br /> mental illness and seek help when it is needed ; and <br /> WHEREAS , early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful <br /> navigation and management of mental illness and recovery ; and <br /> WHEREAS , stigma and the resulting discrimination is a primary obstacle to early <br /> identification and effective treatment of individuals with mental illness and the ability to <br /> recover to lead full , productive lives ; and <br /> WHEREAS , every person and community can help end the silence and stigma <br /> surrounding mental illness that for too long has made people feel isolated , alone and <br /> discouraged people from getting help ; and <br /> WHEREAS , Orange County remains engaged in the promise to address the challenges <br /> facing people with mental illness ; and <br /> WHEREAS , people with lived experience of mental illness and /or substance use <br /> disorders get better , live in recovery , and provide invaluable knowledge of how to improve <br /> and transform systems of care , and <br /> WHEREAS , the COVID - 19 pandemic increased the number of people experiencing <br /> feelings of anxiety and depression ; and <br /> WHEREAS , through public education and working together to raise awareness , we can <br /> help improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness , and <br /> WHEREAS , Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase public <br /> understanding of the importance of mental health and to promote the identification and <br /> treatment of mental illness ; <br /> NOW THEREFORE , we , the Orange County Board of Commissioners , do hereby <br /> recognize May 2023 as MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in Orange County and <br /> shine a light on mental health and the need for long -term improvements in our mental <br /> health care system and improved access to care so no one feels alone . t <br /> 00, 1 10 Y <br /> This the 2nd day of May , 2023 . <br /> ;WW " ,F <br /> JaAezettg Bedford , C119ir � 'I , <br /> Orange Count Board of Comm si neI 'll r <br /> y =. <br /> i <br />