Memorandum
Date: May 14, 2024
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Johanna DeLong, Assistant Clerk of the Board
Subject: Adopt Proclamation Designating May 2024 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
Executive Summary:
DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MAY 2024 AS MATERNAL
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH IN LAKE COUNTY
WHEREAS, maternal mental health is an issue of great concern to Lake County’s parents, families, health care providers, and our community at large; and
WHEREAS, struggles with mental health can affect any mother, regardless of age, race, or income level; and
WHEREAS, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who are mothers experience struggles with their maternal mental health at higher rates than their white counterparts; and
WHEREAS, many women are not adequately informed about, screened, or treated for pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders; and
WHEREAS, heightened awareness and stigma reduction are essential for improving outcomes for mothers, children, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are highly treatable through therapeutic intervention, community-based supportive services, and medication; and
WHEREAS, health service providers and community support systems must be able to identify risk factors and symptoms in order to provide prompt diagnosis, treatment, and support services that enable full and speedy recovery; and
WHEREAS, Mother-Wise is a countywide nonprofit that provides respectful, informative, and judgment-free support to Lake County mothers and caregivers so that maternal mental health issues are destigmatized, and all aspects of motherhood are honored. They conduct mental health screenings, offer one on one check-ins with trained staff, provide virtual and in-person support groups, classes, and workshops, operate a donation closet of baby and maternity items, provide car seats to families in need, and much more. All of their services are free, and they support thousands of Lake County moms a year. Mother-Wise supports all the grandmothers, daughters, aunties, sisters, and mothers of Lake County coming together in support of maternal mental health month. Maternal mental health now leads to stronger families and communities tomorrow.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Lake does hereby designate the month of May 2024 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in Lake County and does commend this observance to all citizens.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of May 2024.
ATTEST: SUSAN PARKER COUNTY OF LAKE
Clerk to the Board
By:
Chair, Board of Supervisors
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Recommended Action: Adopt Proclamation Designating May 2024 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month.