Memorandum
Date: May 6, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Board of Supervisors
Subject: Presentation of Proclamation Designating May 2025 Mental Health Matters Month
Executive Summary:
WHEREAS, every day, millions of people experience stigma related to mental illness, causing many to face their mental health challenges in silence - often for years. Mental Health Matters Month, observed each May, is a time for us to unite in raising awareness, promoting understanding, and working together to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. This awareness is vital in encouraging individuals to seek the support and care they need and deserve; and
WHEREAS, mental health challenges are among the most common health conditions in California, affecting one in seven adults and one in fourteen youth, and deeply impacting not only those experiencing these challenges but also their families, friends, and communities; and
WHEREAS, one in twenty-six Californians lives with a serious mental illness that can impair daily functioning and, when left untreated, may lead to a life expectancy up to 25 years shorter than that of the general population; and
WHEREAS, stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking care, often leading to isolation and long delays in receiving support - sometimes for many years, and combined with Lake County's unique rural health challenges, making awareness, early intervention, and access to mental health care all the more vital; and
WHEREAS, we believe talking openly about mental health is key to ending stigma and fostering hope. We are more impactful when we join our voices, and we remain committed to educating the public and raising awareness through initiatives like Mental Health Matters Day; and
WHEREAS, recovery is possible, and it is essential that all residents of Lake County know that support, resources, and hope are available - no matter what their circumstances and by foster...
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