Editor’s note: Below is a resolution approved on Monday, May 16 by the Polk County Board of Commissioners recognizing May as Mental Health Month.
WHEREAS; since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Month throughout the United States. With this observation an opportunity has been provided to raise awareness about mental health issues for more than 60 years; and
WHEREAS; each May, Americans recognize Mental Health Month with events and activities in communities across the country. This year, the theme, “Do More for 1 in 4,” challenges us to raise awareness about the one in four American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and the fact that they can go on to live full and productive lives; and
WHEREAS; every day Americans are affected by the myriad challenges, stresses and demands of life. Mental health is a major factor in all aspects of our lives. We see it play out in our relationships, in our performance at work or school and in health issues. All of us live with these daily threats, whether it is major tragedies or common life changes; and
WHEREAS; mental illness can strike anyone at anytime. Mental illness does not discriminate. In fact, it affects people of all races, religions, creed, color, ethnic origins, sex, age and socio-economic statuses. One out of five families will experience a family member with some type of mental illness. Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, moods, ability to relate to others and daily functioning, resulting in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life; and
WHEREAS; recovery is possible with proper diagnosis, professional help and meaningful, supportive relationships. Individuals and families can take action to protect their mental health, both in the face of ongoing stress and in times of great personal challenge. Resources are available to help people better cope with stress and to enhance their well-being; and
WHEREAS; too many people who are living with a mental health condition never seek or receive help due to stigma, lack of information, cost or lack of health care insurance coverage. It is important that everyone have access to treatment and services because there is a tremendous amount of knowledge about how to identify, treat and even prevent mental health conditions; and
WHEREAS; locally, the Polk County Mental Health Advisory Board, the Polk County Community Health & Wellness Center, Inc., a non-profit integrated care facility; and NAMI Four Seasons Polk Chapter, a grass-roots mental health advocacy, education and support network are joined by other for-profit agencies, local non-profit social service agencies, governmental, federal and county agencies promoting and educating our citizens about mental health and encouraging our citizens to improve our community by taking steps to promote health and wellness.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Polk County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim the month of May as Mental Health Month, and encourage all citizens to support advocacy, education and support of all of our citizens; the hopeful and future elimination of stigma toward those living with mental illnesses, their families, friends and co-workers; and to support community organizations and agencies serving individuals and families seeking to respond to the challenges before them by promoting health and wellness.