DEPARTMENT: Public Health
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Proclamation Of May As Mental Health Month
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, May is National Mental Health Month; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Center for Disease Control:
• One in five United States (U.S.) adults experience mental illness
• One in twenty U.S. adults experience serious mental illness
• 50 percent of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24
• In 2024, 1 in 5 employees in the U.S. reported experiencing burnout, with mental health problems being one of the key contributors. (nami.org)
• 1 in 5 children aged 3-17 in the U.S. have a mental health condition, with ADHD, anxiety, and depression being the most common diagnoses
; and
WHEREAS, mental health is an important determinant of overall health and well-being for individuals; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with compounding community trauma, continues to have a significant impact on adult and child mental health, particularly for people with pre-existing mental illness and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and for communities of color; and
WHEREAS, many residents are struggling with the long-term impacts of illness, loss of loved ones, social isolation, job loss, changes in routines, racism or other forms of discrimination, and community trauma, resulting in many who are experiencing unprecedented levels of fear, anxiety, and stress; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County has maintained a focus on connecting people to community mental health and SUD services, promoting mental health messaging and initiatives, addressing service needs and gaps through community partnerships, training, and engaging the perspective and voice of people with lived experience; and
WHEREAS, this includes providing community members with practical tools they can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency; and
WHEREAS, prevention is an effective strategy to reduce the impact of mental health conditions and, with effective treatment, those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County has a network of mental health services and initiatives that provide mental health support and promote mental health awareness and education; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County staff, in partnership with other organizations, are committed to building public awareness and addressing stigma as important steps in supporting people to access treatment and support; and
WHEREAS, promoting mental health and awareness of resources and support is especially important given the impacts of the pandemic and community trauma on mental health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends that the Dakota County Board of Commissioners proclaim May as Mental Health Month in Dakota County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims May 2025 as Mental Health Month in Dakota County and supports efforts to promote mental health awareness, training, education, and access to information, services, and supports to serve the mental health needs of the citizens of Dakota County.
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