To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: Acknowledgement of May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Adopt resolution acknowledging the month of May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
See Resolution.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If not recognized, the County would miss an important opportunity to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, encourage compassionate community conversations, and raise awareness of the importance of access to mental health care and supportive resources for individuals and families throughout Contra Costa County.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF ACKNOWLEDGING THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, the County of Contra Costa recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all residents; and
WHEREAS, mental health is an essential part of overall health, and approximately one in twenty-four Californians living with a serious mental health condition experience significant difficulty functioning in everyday life and may face substantially reduced life expectancy without appropriate treatment and support; and
WHEREAS, periods of uncertainty, ambiguity and stress can significantly impact the emotional and mental well-being of individuals, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa Health continues to provide critical behavioral health services and crisis response support to residents throughout the county, including through the Behavioral Health Access Line, which fielded 94,710 incoming and outreach calls to assess care needs, provide referrals, connect residents to substance use counseling and community-based resources, and coordinate crisis response support; and
WHEREAS, increasing awareness, reducing stigma, promoting self-care, and encouraging early intervention help individuals feel supported and empowered to seek care, particularly young people who benefit from strong systems of support and connection; and
WHEREAS Contra Costa County remains committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable community where all residents feel a sense of belonging and where mental health is treated with the same importance, dignity and compassion as physical health; and
WHEREAS, hope, resilience, fortitude, and compassion strengthen the wellbeing of individuals and families and help communities heal and thrive;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the County Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and encourages all residents to support mental wellness, practice self-care, instill hope and early intervention for all people throughout the community.