Memorandum
Date: April 28, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Elise Jones, Director, Behavioral Health Services
Subject: Adopt Proclamation Designating May 2026 as Mental Health Matters Month in Lake County
Executive Summary:
DESIGNATING MAY 2026 AS
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS MONTH IN LAKE COUNTY
WHEREAS, every day, millions of people face stigma related to mental illness, causing many to face their mental health challenges for years without help. Each May, Mental Health Matters Month provides the opportunity for everyone to come together to illuminate mental health awareness in an effort to stop the stigma. Bringing forth this awareness is crucial to helping people reach out for the assistance they deserve; and
WHEREAS, mental health challenges are one of the most common health conditions in California, affecting one out of seven adults, and one out of fourteen youth, and impacting both the person experiencing mental health challenges and those persons who care and love the person facing the challenge; and
WHEREAS, one out of every twenty-six Californians with a serious mental illness have difficulty functioning in everyday life and if left untreated, have life expectancies 25 years shorter than the general population; and
WHEREAS, every day, millions of people face stigma related to mental health and may feel isolated and alone, going years before receiving any help; and
WHEREAS, recovery can and does happen, and all of Lake County should know that support and help is available regardless of any individual's situation; and
WHEREAS, creating a community where everyone feels comfortable reaching out for the support, they deserve is crucial to ending the stigma around mental health; and
WHEREAS, access to support and ending the stigma is of paramount importance; and
WHEREAS, Lake County recognizes and appreciates the many community partners, advocates, and organizations who work t...
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